The Legal Spectrum of Parenthood Through Assisted Reproductive Technology in Nigeria

Abstract

The capacity to bear children who resemble their parents and inherit their genes and heredity has
been a mark of genuineness and joy of parenthood. Some couples cannot experience due to
infertility. It is estimated that infertility affect over 50-80 million persons worldwide. Infertility
may be as a result of genital tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, postpartum or post
aborted infections, pelvic tuberculosis, tubal blockage amongst other causes. The solution to
infertility lies not only in the prevention of the earlier cited maladies but also include adapting to
novel Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments. ART refers to the medical procedure
that aim to achieve pregnancy by manipulating sperm and egg to make conception a reality. There
has been dire contention over who should use ART; what is the legal spectrum of parenthood
through ART; what are the regulatory framework for ART; who owns the gametes and embryos?
This article is poised to anaylse these issues. The doctrinal research method will be utilized. The
article found out that lack of regulation of ART in Nigeria has led to rapid multiplication of illegal
baby factories, it was discovered that lack of regulation led to private reproductive health
practitioners charging high fees. The article suggests the need for urgent passing of ART law in
Nigeria and education of the public of its advantages.