Actress Kate Henshaw has criticised media personality Ifedayo Agoro, popularly known as Diary of a Naija Girl, for opting for surrogacy despite being in good health, saying the practice is becoming too casual in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview with News Central, the 52-year-old said surrogacy was originally created to offer hope to couples who are unable to conceive and not as an easy alternative for women who are capable of carrying children.
“I watched Ife’s video and I was wondering, why?” she asked, referring to a video by social media influencer Ifeoluwa who recently spoke about using a surrogate despite being medically fit.
“She’s healthy and has nothing wrong with her. What is your reason for wanting someone else to carry your child? It is a means to exploit people who are not financially capable.”
The Nollywood star questioned the lack of ethical guidelines and legal protection for women acting as surrogates in Nigeria.
“Are you bound under any laws or legal framework to ensure that they [surrogates] are taken care of before and after they deliver the baby for you? What documents are being signed? What is the ethical framework?” she asked.
“Surrogacy is a thing of giving hope to those who cannot have their kids or have medical complications. It shouldn’t be something done lightly like you’re going to buy a bag.
“There are lots of emotions attached. Apart from changes in the body, it’s mental. It’s not something that can be thought of lightly. I hope Nigeria rises up and we implement laws that actively work,” she added.
Kate, who trained as a medical microbiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital before venturing into acting, has consistently used her platform to speak out on social issues.
The Stronger Than Pain actress, who won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in 2008, has in recent years spoken about children’s rights, gender inequality and the need for responsible social media behaviour.
There are currently no laws regulating surrogacy in Nigeria, a situation that has sparked concern among health professionals and human rights advocates.
