Surrogacy advocate and founder of Meet Surrogate Mothers, Olaronke Thaddeus, has condemned the common misconception that links surrogacy to “baby factories”, describing the comparison as both misleading.

Speaking on Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television, Thaddeus explained that surrogacy is a safe and ethical medical process, very different from illegal and “exploitative” baby factories.

“It’s going to be very wrong to compare surrogacy with baby factories. Baby factories come with a lot of exploitation, young women are raped, locked up, and their babies are sold. Surrogacy, however, is an informed, voluntary and medically supervised process,” she said.

She explained that in surrogacy, another woman willingly offers to carry a pregnancy to term on behalf of someone else, and this is done through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

“There’s no sexual activity involved. The eggs and sperm of the intending parents are fertilised in a lab and transferred into the surrogate mother. It’s a clinical, regulated process,” she added.

Having worked in the industry for over ten years, Thaddeus revealed that she encounters more than 100 women annually seeking surrogacy services, indicating a growing acceptance and awareness of the option among Nigerian families.

“I’m very happy that surrogacy is being openly discussed now. Years ago, it was something people only whispered about,” she noted.

‘Last Resort For Many Women’

She described surrogacy as a “last resort” for most women, particularly in African societies where cultural expectations place heavy emphasis on a woman’s ability to conceive.

Despite growing awareness, Thaddeus acknowledged the stigma and societal judgement many women face.

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“Motherhood is not a joke. These women have gone through so much, and their stories are often heartbreaking. It brings tears to my eyes.

“People shy away from talking about surrogacy because of fear—fear of what their husband’s family will say, fear of how friends will judge them. But as I always say, it’s the one who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches,” the advocate said.

Surrogacy Vs Choice

Responding to concerns about wealthy individuals avoiding pregnancy through surrogacy, Thaddeus said there are often valid reasons, adding that IVF is a rigorous process.

“Even the celebrities you’re referring to, you don’t know their full medical stories. Everyone I’ve worked with had a valid reason. If a woman chooses not to carry her own pregnancy, there may be psychological or medical issues behind that decision.

“Whether for medical or personal reasons, every woman deserves the right to decide how she becomes a mother. Surrogacy is not a scandal—it’s a solution. People assume surrogacy is an easy way out, but it’s not.

“The intending mother still undergoes egg retrieval, which involves daily injections and considerable pain, often more than childbirth. There’s no shortcut in this journey,” she said.

‘No Exploitation, Despite Financial Gains’

Thaddeus rejected the narrative that surrogacy is inherently exploitative due to the country’s economic situation.

“Yes, some women do it for financial reasons, but I’ve also had surrogate mothers who are professionals, telecom workers, business owners, who just wanted to help another woman,” she said.

“No one can be fully compensated for being a surrogate. It takes compassion. If someone chooses to put her life on the line for another woman’s dream, that’s not just about money, that person is an angel.”

She added that surrogates are reimbursed for expenses including transportation, feeding, wardrobe, and medical care during the process. “But to be clear, this is not transactional. It’s not something you can fully quantify in naira.”

Thaddeus stated that her agency does not scout for surrogates; women volunteer willingly, often expressing a desire to help others become mothers.

She welcomed the bill currently before the National Assembly, which seeks to regulate surrogacy. “It would be a good step if we had clear laws to protect all parties involved, surrogates, intending parents, and the agencies.”