Need for Regulation of Assisted Reproductive Techniques in Africa

Abstract

Reproductive health and population control are part of the goals developing countries are called upon to pursue as part of the millennium development goals (MDGs). Indeed, population health is one of the parameters used in assessing progress towards achievement of these goals. Thus, assisted reproductive techniques, which provide a way out of infertility, are not only relevant to the discourse on reproductive health and population control but also to the discourse on development. In Africa, however, attitudes towards utilization of the techniques have not attracted commendable scholarly attention. This paper reports the findings of a study that attempted to close this gap, through investigating Africans’ attitudes towards the techniques, taking the case of Nigeria. It reports that while some people perceive the techniques as beneficial, others find their utilization offensive to their moral sensibilities. Subsequently, it is recommended that relevant authorities regulate the utilization of techniques.