Kate Henshaw, a prominent Nollywood actress, has sparked a significant debate by speaking out against surrogacy in Nigeria. She cautions that this practice may exploit economically disadvantaged women.
In a recent interview on News Central, the award-winning actress criticized how some women choose surrogacy without any medical necessity. She highlighted social media personality Ifeoluwa, who recently went viral for her views on the topic. “I watched Ife’s video and I was wondering, why?” Henshaw remarked. “She’s healthy and has no medical issues. Why does she think this is appropriate? I chose to stay out of it.”
Henshaw expressed concern that surrogacy could be a means of exploiting those who are not financially secure, stating, “You just pay them to have your child, but then what compels you to care for them afterward?”
She warned that without proper legal and ethical frameworks, surrogacy in Nigeria could become a dangerous tool for exploitation. “Are you bound by any laws or legal agreements to ensure that these women are taken care of before and after delivering the baby? What documents are being signed? What is the ethical framework surrounding this?”
Henshaw emphasized that surrogacy was originally intended to provide hope for individuals facing legitimate medical challenges, not as a convenience for those who simply wish to avoid carrying a child. “Surrogacy should be about giving hope to those who cannot conceive or who face medical complications but still wish to have a child. It shouldn’t be treated casually, like purchasing a bag. There are deep emotional implications involved in carrying a child; it’s not just a physical change but also a significant mental challenge. Lives can be at stake. This should not be taken lightly.”
She concluded with a call to action, hoping that Nigeria will establish laws that effectively address these issues.