Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has criticised the rising trend of medically fit women turning to surrogacy for non-medical reasons.
The 53-year-old expressed her concerns in an interview with News Central, warning that the practice is now being treated like a casual lifestyle option rather than a solution for those facing real fertility issues.
The interview clip surfaced online on Thursday and has since sparked widespread reactions.
Reacting to a video by a social media influencer, Ifeoluwa, who recently revealed she used a surrogate despite having no health issues, she said: “I watched Ife’s video and I was wondering, why? She’s healthy and has nothing wrong with her. What is your reason for wanting someone else to carry your child? It is a means to exploit people who are not financially capable.”
The actress also expressed concern over the lack of laws protecting surrogate mothers in the country.
“Are you bound under any laws or legal framework to ensure that they [surrogates] are taken care of before and after they deliver the baby for you? What documents are being signed? What is the ethical framework?” she queried.
She stressed that surrogacy should be a medical solution for women with fertility problems, not a casual option for convenience.
“Surrogacy is a thing of giving hope to those who cannot have their kids or have medical complications. It shouldn’t be something done lightly like you’re going to buy a bag,” she added.
Henshaw noted that pregnancy is both physically and emotionally demanding, and should never be taken for granted.
“There are lots of emotions attached. Apart from changes in the body, it’s mental. It’s not something that can be thought of lightly. I hope Nigeria rises up and we implement laws that actively work,” she said.
The Stronger Than Pain actress, who trained as a medical microbiologist before venturing into Nollywood, has often used her platform to speak on national issues.
She has in the past advocated for children’s rights, gender equality, and responsible use of social media.
