Informed Consent and Ethical Considerations in Assisted Reproductive Technology in Nigeria: Options and Challenges

Informed Consent and Ethical Considerations in Assisted Reproductive Technology in Nigeria: Options and Challenges
Book Chapter
Folakemi O. Ajagunna
Reproductive Health and Assisted Reproductive Technologies In Sub-Saharan Africa, 29 August 2023 [Springer]
Abstract
Informed consent, permission given by a patient in full knowledge of the consequences, risks or potential benefits of the medical procedure to be carried out is a sine qua non in the practice of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. This permission emanates from the right to autonomy which a patient should enjoy. Implicit within this right to informed consent is that the patient is given adequate information about the treatment he or she is to be subject to. Where informed consent is not obtained, it could result in jeopardy for both the medical practitioner and the patient. This chapter examines issues emanating from informed consent in assisted reproduction in Nigeria. It adopts a socio-legal approach to interrogate the practice of informed consent in Nigeria. In-depth and key-informant interviews were conducted with IVF doctors, embryologists and women patronising IVF clinics to ascertain practices in various IVF clinics in Nigeria. The research found that although there are guidelines on informed consent in the rules of professional conduct in Nigeria, this is not a true reflection of what obtains in the ART industry. The research recommends that in addition to the rules or ethos of the medical profession in Nigeria, a legal framework is essential to advance the rights of patients to full and adequate information in assisted reproduction.