While scrolling through the different social media platforms in the past two days, a certain topic kept popping up, and as I tried to read through the context there seemed to be a lot of people out there with mixed reactions regarding surrogacy. Here are my findings.

Surrogacy is a topic that has gained increasing importance and recognition in Africa in recent years. The practice of surrogacy, where a woman carries a child for another individual or couple, has both cultural and medical significance on the African continent.

In this article, we’ll explore the growing importance of surrogacy in Africa, considering its cultural, social, and medical aspects.

Cultural Diversity and Acceptance

Africa is a diverse continent, with numerous cultures and traditions, each having unique views on surrogacy. Many African countries are slowly recognizing and accepting surrogacy as a legitimate means of building families, even in the face of varying cultural norms. This shift is largely attributed to the increased globalization and exposure to international surrogacy practices.

Medical Advancements

The importance of surrogacy in Africa is also closely linked to medical advancements. In many African nations, the prevalence of infertility has grown due to various factors, including environmental changes, lifestyle, and delayed family planning among most women.

According to Dr. Raymond Atukunda, a fertility expert, surrogacy provides a ray of hope for individuals or couples struggling with infertility, offering an alternative path to parenthood.

“In the past years, the infertility cases have gone up and it’s not just about women it is also about men, Many men out there have low sperm count and can’t impregnate a lady, and they always think the woman is the problem,” Atukunda said.

“As medical facilities and expertise in reproductive technologies improve across the continent, more couples and individuals are turning to surrogacy as a viable solution,” Atukunda added.

Women’s Empowerment and Financial Opportunities

Surrogacy can be an empowering option for women in Africa. It allows women to make choices about their bodies and use their reproductive abilities to support others while benefiting financially.

In a region where economic opportunities can be limited, surrogacy can provide women with the chance to improve their economic well-being and the well-being of their families.

Akiteng Deborah, a feminist said that, some women love children but they don’t like what comes with bearing children.

“The process of carrying a baby for nine months, the delivery process, and the body changes both physically and the emotions of pregnancy all tend to scare away some women but this doesn’t mean they can’t be good mothers,” Akiteng said.

“So, if presented with the option of surrogacy many would opt for this and these are personal choices that must be respected. Her body her choice,” Akiteng noted.   

Legal Framework and Regulation

A key element of the importance of surrogacy in Africa is the development of legal frameworks and regulations to protect all parties involved, including the surrogate, intended parents, and the child. Establishing clear guidelines for surrogacy can help ensure the ethical and legal conduct of surrogacy arrangements, thus safeguarding the rights and interests of those involved. This has not only made it easy but also acceptable in society.

In general, the importance of surrogacy in Africa is growing, as it addresses various medical, cultural, and societal needs. Surrogacy offers a way to overcome infertility challenges, empowers women, and celebrates the diversity of African societies.

As the continent continues to evolve and embrace new family-building options, surrogacy is set to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of African families. However, surrogacy must remain regulated and guided by ethical principles to ensure the well-being of all parties involved.