Traditional Surrogacy in Igbo Culture: An Appraisal of Ethical Issues

Abstract

Surrogacy as a form of assisted reproductive mechanism is prevalent in the Igbo culture but in another 
dimension. The traditional surrogacy practice in the south-eastern part of Nigeria is anchored on the quest 
for procreation in a marriage union for the protection of family lineage against extinction. In Igbo Culture, 
children are regarded as a boost to the social status of their parents; they attract to their parents a sense 
of personal fulfilment, honour and prestige. To this extent, couples by procreating, gain community 
acceptance and social respect whereby Infertile couples face family pressure especially from the husband's 
family; they are stigmatized and ridiculed by society. The traditional surrogacy practiced was embraced as 
an alternative for families who lack children or male children who will inherit their properties and continue 
the family lineage. The authors beyond defining the concept, went further to discuss the practice of 
traditional surrogacy in Igbo culture and also x-rayed the ethical issues that have arisen in the practice. 
Several recommendations were made that the authors believe if embraced, can help reduce the rate at which 
traditional surrogacy is practised, as once the root cause is addressed, then there will be solution.