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By Doris Obinna
Nigeria’s fertility experts have raised alarm over the lack of nationwide regulation for IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies, warning that patients are at risk in states without oversight.
The Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) says only Lagos State, working with the body, enforces minimum practice standards, while elsewhere unregistered clinics and quack practices persist.
The group at the press briefing, in Lagos announcing the 15th Annual International Conference, said among other challenges, the body is also battling misinformation on issues like surrogacy and egg donation, and scrambling to be heard in legislative debates that often exclude practitioners.
According to the organisers, for the first time, the conference would open its doors to the general public this month from September 23 to 26, 2025. Themed “New Frontiers in ART: Road Map to the Future,” the gathering will bring together fertility specialists from Nigeria and abroad to share knowledge, review innovations in assisted reproductive technology, and address the stigma surrounding infertility.
While acknowledging high treatment costs, AFRH emphasised that quality care requires significant investment in skilled staff and imported technology. The association noted that some clinics partner with banks and state hospitals to offer discounted treatments or flexible payment plans, though widespread insurance coverage remains unavailable in Nigeria.
Speaaking, president-elect, AFRH, Dr. Adewunmi Adeyemi-Bero, underscored the importance of the annual conference in ensuring Nigerians have access to world-class fertility care. He said, “We tailor what we are able to access; technology, manpower, and international knowledge so that we can better care for couples trying to complete their families.”
Adeyemi-Bero added: “Among other challenges, the body is battling widespread misinformation on surrogacy and egg donation while simultaneously struggling to be included in state and federal legislative processes, where bills on assisted reproduction are often drafted without the input of practitioners.
He insisted that such exclusion risks producing laws that harm patients, many of whom depend on services like donor eggs and surrogacy to achieve parenthood.
The group reiterated that for the first time, the event will feature a Fertility Open House on September 23, where the public can interact with fertility doctors, attend panel discussions on IVF, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy, and receive one-on-one consultations at no cost.
The organisers say the move is aimed at breaking the silence and stigma around infertility, which affects one in six couples. “We’re tired of seeing couples suffer alone when we have solutions. Fertility challenges are medical conditions with medical solutionsnot shameful secrets.”
Also, chairperson, local organising committee (LOC), Mrs. Abiola Adewusi, described the open house as a groundbreaking step. She said, “We want the public to see what is being done the right way, and we want our professionals to leave with more skills, more knowledge, and more confidence to serve patients. The event will be free to attend, with both physical and virtual participation options.
“On September 24, specialized workshops will be held for doctors, embryologists, nurses, and counsellors. Doctors will take part in hands-on hysteroscopy and ultrasound training, embryologists will receive instruction in advanced pre-implantation genetic testing, while nurses will engage in roundtable sessions on managing donors and surrogates.
“Training will also cover the AFRH Registry, which records IVF cycles and outcomes. Adewusi noted that although Nigeria has more than 100 AFRH-registered clinics, many are yet to submit data. “Registering with the database is free and provides significant benefits, including research opportunities and international recognition,” she explained.
“The main scientific conference will run on September 25 and 26, with plenary sessions, international expert presentations, and the AFRH Annual General Meeting. The event will conclude with a gala night.”
They expressed optimism that this year’s conference will not only push forward fertility practice in Nigeria but also create greater public awareness about reproductive health.
