Young Women in Nigeria Selling Eggs Amid Health Risks

In Plateau State, Nigeria, a troubling trend has emerged where young women are selling their eggs for financial compensation, with prices ranging from N120,000 to N150,000. This practice occurs despite warnings from the Gender Equal Opportunity Commission (PlasGEOC) and the World Health Organization, which advises that egg harvesting should not be a commercial transaction.

Mr. Nene Dung, a spokesperson for PlasGEOC, highlighted the dangers associated with this practice, including the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and other health complications.

The report indicates that many young women, including undergraduates, are coerced into this trade, which is part of a broader issue of human trafficking and exploitation in Nigeria. The increasing demand for assisted reproductive technologies has led to a rise in unscrupulous fertility clinics taking advantage of vulnerable individuals.

The commission calls for collaborative efforts among local agencies, state governments, and international partners to address this serious health and social issue.