Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has voiced strong criticism against the growing trend of medically fit women opting for surrogacy for non-medical reasons, describing it as a troubling shift in values.
In a recent interview with News Central, the 53-year-old actress expressed concern that surrogacy, originally intended as a last resort for women with fertility challenges, is now being adopted as a lifestyle choice by women without health issues.
Her remarks were in reaction to a viral video by social media influencer Ifeoluwa, who revealed she used a surrogate despite having no medical complications. “I watched Ife’s video and I was wondering, why? 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,” Henshaw said.
The actress also raised alarms about the legal and ethical gaps surrounding surrogacy in Nigeria, pointing out the lack of regulatory frameworks to protect surrogate mothers. “Are you bound under any laws or legal framework to ensure that they are taken care of before and after delivery? What documents are being signed? What is the ethical framework?” she asked.
Henshaw emphasized that surrogacy should remain a medical solution for women unable to conceive or carry pregnancies due to health issues, not a convenience for those seeking to avoid the physical demands of childbirth.
“Surrogacy should be about giving hope to those who genuinely need it. It’s not something to be treated like a shopping decision,” she said.
Highlighting the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy, the actress stressed that the journey to motherhood should never be taken lightly. “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,” she added.
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