A bill for a law to regulate surrogacy has passed second reading at the Plateau State House of Assembly.

The bill was passed at the second reading on Tuesday during the assembly plenary presided over by the Speaker, Daniel Naanlong.

One of the sponsors of the bill, Theodore Maiyaki (APC/Qua’an Pan South), said the bill, when passed into law, would establish a comprehensive legal framework for assisted reproduction and would also protect the rights of all parties involved.

The lawmaker said the proposed legislation, which would be the first of its kind in Nigeria, aims to set standards for surrogacy arrangements, address ethical concerns, and prevent potential exploitation in the growing practice.

Mr Maiyaki further said that the proposed legislation was designed not only to set standards for surrogacy arrangements and protect the rights of parties involved but to also prohibit the commercialisation of the practice and curb quackery.

He said that the bill would also provide for the establishment of a Surrogacy Regulatory Commission that would oversee operations, enforce compliance, and address ethical concerns associated with the growing practice.

Similarly, a co-sponsr of the bill,  Nanbol Daniel (LP/Langtang North Central), reiterated that the bill sought to balance ethical concerns with modern reproductive needs.

Mr Daniel also said that the bill was aimed at protecting the rights of intended parents, surrogate mothers, and children born through surrogacy while preventing exploitation and ensuring ethical practices.

He further said that the bill prohibited surrogacy contracts that were purely commercial in nature.

He stated, “Only altruistic or regulated compensatory arrangements are permitted; any negotiation that involves profit-making or commodification of childbirth is declared unlawful.”

According to him, the bill restricts public advertisements offering or soliciting surrogacy services, as only licensed agencies or registered medical institutions may provide information under strict guidelines, as unauthorised advertisements are treated as offences.

He said the bill states that all surrogacy arrangements must be registered with the Plateau State Surrogacy Regulatory Commission, and medical practitioners, fertility clinics, and agencies involved must obtain licences.

Mr Daniel explained that the registration ensured transparency, accountability, and protection of parties involved.

He said that the bill, if passed into law, would position the state as a pioneer in structured surrogacy governance in Nigeria.
(NAN)