Our bab(y)ies, your uterus—a retrospective study on surrogacy at a private fertility center in South West Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: In vitro fertilization, a form of assisted reproductive technology has evolved over the last 3–5 decades in the management of infertility and now has been expanded to include third-party reproductive solutions. There are 2 types of gestational surrogacy: (1) full surrogacy (an egg from a woman is fertilized with a sperm and the resulting embryo is implanted into another woman) or (2) partial surrogacy (sperm from a man is used to fertilize an egg from the same woman in whom the embryo will be transferred to). In Nigeria, there is a paucity of publications on the outcomes of surrogate pregnancies, even though it is being practiced. At the Medical Art Center Ikeja Lagos, we practice only full surrogacy, otherwise referred to as gestational surrogacy. Study design: This was a retrospective descriptive study of 61 cycles performed over 76 months between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2021 at a private-run single-location fertility center in South West Nigeria. Data were extracted from the electronic medical records of the commissioning parents and the gestational carrier. Results: There were a total of 58 gestational carriers in the program. Eleven (19%) had a miscarriage and there were 63 live births, out of which were 14 twin pairs (44%), 1 set of triplets (~5%) and the rest were singletons. One (1.7%) surrogate had delivery complicated by a hysterectomy on account of postpartum hemorrhage. There was no maternal mortality. The commonest reason for choosing surrogacy was multiple failed in vitro fertilization cycles, uterine factor infertility, and advanced maternal age. Conclusion: Gestational surrogacy is a valid medically assisted reproduction option for individuals who desire to have children. This option should continue to be supported by ethical, regulatory, and legal frameworks available in Nigeria.