How to become a surrogate mother in Nigeria.
A lady wrote me to find out what it takes to be a surrogate mother in Nigeria…..
My reply:
Surrogacy has come to stay in Nigeria and with say about 3 – 5 million naira, you can have a baby via a medically certified surrogate mother without qualms..Nigeria laws enables surrogacy and their are many legal surrogacy agencies and Fertility clinics that can help you recruit a good surrogate mother…
But are you qualified to be a surrogate mother? Not every woman is qualified to be a surrogate, their are criteria you must satisfy before you can become a surrogate mother in Nigeria…
They are:
Women looking for first hand information on how to be a surrogate should first understand the initial requirements for prospective surrogate mothers. After contacting a surrogacy agencies, professional or a surrogate fertility clinics , the first step to becoming a surrogate is to meet the agency’s qualifications and pass its screening requirements which are mostly medical, psychological, social, obstetrical and legal.
This screening process helps protect the health and safety of the surrogate, the couple that needs they surrogate baby the baby itself and ensures you are physically and psychologically ready for the surrogacy process proper.
Surrogate requirements vary by agency, but according to standards set by the Nigerian Society of Assisted Reproductive Medicine, the general qualifications for becoming a surrogate may include:
1. Be within a certain age range. According to the Nigerian Society of Reproductive Medicine, surrogates should be between the ages of 21 and 45, but some agencies require their surrogates to be older or younger…many wants a younger surrogate.
2. Have a healthy BMI of 30 or less (calculate your BMI by knowing your height and weight)
3. No smoking, chronic intake of alcoholic drinks or illicit drug use
4. Have at least one previous successful pregnancy and no more than five vaginal births or three cesarean deliveries. If you have given birth before the better your chances of becoming a surrogate mother.
5. Be currently raising your child(ren) in your home…
6. Have no major complications from previous pregnancies like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, eclampsia etc
7. Have no felony convictions…Make sure you have not ran afoul of the Nigerian laws in any form. Don’t be an ex-convict.
8. Be free of treatable STDs for at least 12 months
9. You must be HIV, hepatitis b and c negative.
10. Have no history of postpartum depression.
11. Discontinue use of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications at least 12 months prior to surrogacy
12. Wait at least 12 months since last tattoo or piercing before beginning surrogacy program.
13. Be able and willing to travel as needed by your doctors for appointments
14. Have a stable lifestyle and support system…you must not be a dependant. Have other jobs.
15. Very important. Know how to keep secrets. Not every thing is for the social media for validation.
If you can satisfy these requirements, then you can be a surrogate mother in Nigeria…
Note that their could be some special requirements that may not be stated here but the couple that want to have a baby through surrogacy may consider number 1 priority.
Sources:
Dr Udomoh
Surrogate
