Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has sparked a public debate after raising ethical and legal concerns about the increasing use of surrogacy in Nigeria, warning that it risks exploiting financially vulnerable women.
Speaking during a recent interview on News Central, Henshaw criticised the growing trend of women opting for surrogacy despite having no medical need for it. She cited a viral video by social media personality Ifeoluwa as an example, questioning the motivations behind such decisions.
“I watched Ife’s video and I was wondering, why? She’s healthy and there’s nothing wrong with her,” Henshaw said. “It is a means to exploit people who are not financially capable. You just pay them and tell them to have your child for you.”
The award-winning actress warned that without proper regulation, surrogacy in Nigeria could become a tool for exploitation. She called for clear legal and ethical frameworks to protect both surrogate mothers and intended parents.
“Are you bound under any laws or legal framework to ensure that they are taken care of before and after they deliver the baby for you?” she asked. “What documents are being signed? What is the ethical framework?”
Henshaw stressed that surrogacy should remain a last resort for people facing genuine medical challenges, not a lifestyle choice. She warned that pregnancy carries both emotional and physical risks, and should not be taken lightly.
“Surrogacy is about giving hope to those who can’t have children, not convenience,” she said. “There are lots of emotions attached to carrying a child. Apart from the changes in the body, it’s mental. There’s a lot going on and they can die.”
She concluded by urging the Nigerian government to implement laws that protect all parties involved and prevent abuse in surrogacy arrangements.
