Conception challenges: Time for Cameroon to legalise surrogacy?

By Washira Helene

The rapid increase of fertility issues faced by almost 60% of couples above 30 years in Cameroon for the past 8 years has been alarming. Across the general population, the infertility rate ranges from 15% to 30%, depending on the age and socioeconomic status of the couple.

Tubal stenosis and oligoasthenospermia were identified as the main causes of infertility in Cameroon and other Sub-Saharan African nations in a 2010 study by the Groupe Interafricain de Recherche et d’Application sur la Fertilité (GIERAF).

Over the last decade, the problem has become so common that it is estimated that 4 in every 10 couples have conception difficulties. Some of the reasons for this are either an abnormal uterus, multiple miscarriages, untreated sexually transmitted diseases, cervical cancer, multiple abortions, and others. Some studies have found that most issues of fertility are directly or indirectly linked to sexual infections, most of which are caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

In an African country like Cameroon, where the rate of illiteracy is still high and discussions around sexual reproductive health are not common, infertility problems are usually associated with witchcraft.

Furthermore, there is a lot of social stigma associated with families who are unable to procreate. This usually leads to instability in the family in the long term. In a situation where the problem is not caused voluntarily, the question is now being asked by many Cameroonians if it not better for such a couple to seek help from other means.

The concept of surrogacy for the past years has been normal for most European and Asian countries with Africa finding it uncomprehending for another woman to carry someone’s else child without being biologically attached to it.

Surrogacy can either be traditional or gestational in method and the difference is based on genetic origin. The types of surrogacy include;

• Traditional Surrogacy: Also known as natural, partial, or straight surrogacy is one where the surrogate’s egg is fertilized by the intended father’s or donor’s sperm. The insemination of the surrogate is either through sex (natural insemination) or artificial insemination.
• Gestational Surrogacy: Also known as host or full surrogacy takes place when an embryo created by in-vitro fertilization (IVF) technology is implanted in a surrogate, sometimes called a gestational carrier. Gestational surrogacy has several forms, and in each form, the resulting child is genetically unrelated to the surrogate.

Worthy of note is that as of now, surrogacy has not yet been legalised in the Cameroonian law though it is being practiced. The reason is that surrogacy is to be done for free with both parties signing an agreement that protects them, but nobody wants to do it for free not even the few existing IVF centers.

Though not legalised, surrogacy in Cameroon has a varying price of 11 to 14 Million FCFA which can barely be afforded by many. Surrogacy can not be done by siblings or any other family member. It has to be someone from outside.

Despite the fact that many have resulted in solving their conception issues via traditional means, which has to do with the drinking of concoctions, we still think with the advancement of technology and the many other options available for childbirth, Cameroon should openly consider the idea of surrogacy seeing the wonders it does for other couples in other countries.

What is your take on this? Will you recommend someone close to you to consider surrogacy in case of childbirth difficulties?