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Original Research

Perception of Key Ethical Issues in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) by Providers and Clients in Nigeria

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Pages 1033-1052 | Published online: 03 Nov 2021
 

Abstract

Purpose

In the past decade, developments in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) have intensified the hopes and the desires of infertile people to overcome infertility, resulting in an increasing demand for such services worldwide. However, as developments in ART have evolved rapidly, so have ethical, social, and political controversies surrounding many aspects arisen. It is known that societal ethics is dependent on the values and culture of a given group. We sought to explore how practitioners and clients in Nigeria perceive some Key ethical issues surrounding ART.

Materials and Methods

This was an explorative descriptive study involving in-depth interview of three ART providers and eight female ART clients, all domiciled in Southeastern Nigeria. Sampling was by purposive and snowballing techniques for providers and clients, respectively. Ethical approval was obtained from University of Ibadan/University College Hospital and University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Research Ethics Committees. Responses were grouped into themes for ease of discussion.

Results

Providers and clients were in support of sex selection for family balancing, and multiple embryo transfers. They also perceive that the health of the woman should be the factor considered and not biological age for service provision. However, views differed on marital status as an access factor. Participants were in support of legally binding regulations to guide practice.

Conclusion

A culturally sensitive national regulation is recommended to guide practice in this vital area of reproduction.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

Research reported in this article was supported by the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health under Grant Award Number R25TW010514.The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.