Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has voiced strong concerns about the ethical and legal challenges surrounding surrogacy in Nigeria, warning that without proper regulations, the practice could easily lead to the exploitation of financially vulnerable women.

Speaking during an interview on News Central, Henshaw emphasized the urgent need for robust laws to protect the rights, health, and dignity of surrogates.

While acknowledging that surrogacy can bring hope to families struggling with infertility or medical complications, she urged Nigerians to recognize the emotional and physical toll it can take on the women carrying the babies.

“Surrogacy is a means to exploit people who are not financially capable. You just pay them to have a child for you—then what happens next? What will make you look after them? Are there laws or legal frameworks binding you to care for them before and after delivery?” she asked.

Henshaw questioned the lack of enforceable documentation and clear legal obligations that protect surrogates during and after pregnancy. She stressed that surrogacy must not be taken lightly, highlighting the profound physical and mental risks involved:

“There’s so much around it. Apart from the physical changes, there are mental changes too. Women can even die. It shouldn’t be done without deep thought and safeguards in place.”

She called on Nigerian lawmakers to urgently enact comprehensive legislation that will ensure surrogacy is not misused to take advantage of vulnerable women.

“I hope Nigeria rises to this. I hope we have laws that will work—and not just be suggestions, like they always say,” she concluded.