Fertility experts, under the aegis of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) have advocated for stringent ethical standards in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to ensure quality care for couples grappling with infertility.
This push is a central theme at the upcoming 15th annual AFRH international conference in Lagos, themed “New Frontiers in ART – Road Map to the Future.”
Adewunmi Adeyemi-Bero, AFRH president-elect, emphasized the urgent need for ethical adherence to safeguard patients, donors, and resulting offspring.
Speaking to journalists, Adeyemi-Bero stressed that as infertility rates rise in Nigeria, establishing comprehensive regulatory frameworks for ART practices is critical to protect rights and ensure high standards of care. “We must operate within ethical boundaries to deliver safe, effective solutions for couples seeking fertility treatment,” he added.
The conference aims to address these concerns by showcasing cutting-edge technologies and trends in ART, equipping local professionals with the tools to enhance service delivery.
The President-elect noted that AFRH is intensifying efforts to curb quackery in the fertility sector, ensuring only accredited practitioners provide care. “We are committed to rooting out unprofessional practices and fostering trust in the system,” he added.
To tackle barriers such as stigma and misinformation, AFRH is launching its first-ever Fertility Open House during the conference. This initiative will open doors to the public, offering free consultations, expert panels, and sessions to debunk myths surrounding ART. “We are tired of seeing couples suffer alone when we have solutions. This open house will show Nigerians that fertility challenges are medical conditions with medical solutions, not shameful secrets. Every question deserves an honest answer. Every couple deserves hope,” Adeyemi-Bero said.
He explained that misconceptions and social stigma continue to discourage people from seeking the care they need, adding that, though, Nigeria offers advanced fertility treatments, the lack of public awareness keeps many from accessing them.
“Families must be informed about legitimate medical solutions and encouraged to seek help confidently. Building connections with experienced fertility professionals can make a meaningful difference. Above all, it is important to reinforce that seeking fertility support is both a wise and completely normal choice,” he said.
Abiola Adewusi, chairperson of the local organising committee for the 2025 conference, highlighted the widespread impact of infertility, noting that one in six couples faces fertility issues. “We are done with the secrecy. Thousands of families are quietly struggling, unaware that help exists. This event is about breaking that silence,” Adewusi asserted.
The conference will feature discussions on IVF, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy, alongside legal and medical insights to empower attendees. By fostering collaboration among professionals and promoting ethical practices, AFRH aims to create a future where fertility care in Nigeria is innovative, compassionate, and accessible. The conference will serve as a platform to adopt international best practices tailored to local needs, ensuring couples receive world-class care.
