Nollywood actress Kate Amaka Henshaw has openly criticised media personality Ifedayo Agoro, popularly known as Diary of a Naija Girl, over her decision to opt for surrogacy despite having no fertility challenges.
Ifedayo Agoro recently sparked debate after revealing on Instagram that she plans to have children through surrogacy, despite having no fertility issues. In a viral video, she defended her decision, stating that choosing not to carry a child is valid, even for healthy women.
“I have a womb, I’m perfectly healthy, but I just don’t want to use it,” she said, adding that women owe no one an explanation or medical report for making such choices.
In a recent interview with News Central, Kate Henshaw expressed deep concern over what she described as the growing normalisation and casual use of surrogacy in Nigeria, particularly by women who are medically capable of carrying their own children.
“I watched Ife’s video and I was wondering, why?” She said “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 Veteran actress emphasised that surrogacy was originally intended to offer hope to people who are medically unable to conceive, and not as an easy alternative for those who wish to avoid pregnancy.
“Surrogacy is a thing of giving hope to those who cannot have their kids or have medical complications. It shouldn’t be done lightly like you are going to buy a bag.”
Kate Henshaw raised ethical and legal concerns, questioning the frameworks in place to protect surrogate mothers in Nigeria.
“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? What documents are being signed? What is the ethical framework?” she asked.
Highlighting the emotional and physical toll of surrogacy on women, she stressed that the process should not be treated lightly. “There are lots of emotions attached to carrying a child, apart from the changes in the body. There are mental changes. Women… they can die, you know?”
Calling on Nigerian lawmakers, the actress urged the government to introduce and enforce clear legislation on surrogacy. “I hope Nigeria rises to meet this. I hope we have laws that will work and not just be suggestions,” she said.
Surrogacy has increasingly become a lucrative industry in Nigeria. Often marketed as reproductive freedom, it has led to the commodification of children and the exploitation of economically disadvantaged women.
