When Judith Akinwunmi stumbled upon surrogacy while surfing the internet, she had no idea the journey would transform not only her life—but the lives of many others battling infertility in Nigeria.
After suffering multiple miscarriages and being told it was medically impossible for her to carry a pregnancy to term, Judith decided to explore in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy. Her online search led her to an affordable clinic in Abuja, reigniting her hopes of becoming a mother. But finding a surrogate would become the real challenge.
Searching for a Surrogate: The Struggles and Setbacks
Determined, Judith took to social media to find a suitable surrogate. She received several responses, but one stood out. After conducting background checks, she traveled to meet the woman in Ibadan and brought her to Lagos, with plans to fly to Abuja for fertility treatment.
“She came to my house and spent the night with my family. We flew to Abuja together—her first time on a plane,” Judith recalls.
The surrogate later demanded more money, influenced by the difference in lifestyle she observed during her stay.
“She brought a bigger list and kept shifting the goalpost,” Judith says. “We had to move on.”
A second surrogate, also sourced via social media, initially seemed promising. This time, Judith arranged for her to stay with a friend in Abuja. Despite signing a formal agreement and starting treatment, the woman abruptly developed cold feet and faked illness.
“The doctors found nothing wrong. The moment I told her she was no longer fit for the process, she suddenly started walking normally.”
Inspiration Born from Disappointment
These repeated disappointments sparked a deeper realization.
“I knew I couldn’t be the only woman facing these challenges,” Judith explains. “I saw an opportunity to help others avoid these painful experiences.”
She went on to found My Surrogate Twins Agency, a Lagos-based service connecting prospective parents with vetted surrogates—offering structure, legal backing, and emotional support.
Judith would eventually find her own miracle close to home: her cousin, a single mother of twins, volunteered to carry her babies. She agreed to fair compensation, and the first IVF attempt was successful.
“That’s how I got Myra and Myla,” Judith beams, now a proud mother of twin daughters.
The Legal Landscape: Is Surrogacy Legal in Nigeria?
While surrogacy is not explicitly illegal in Nigeria, it lacks a defined legal framework. Most arrangements rely on contract law principles—offer, acceptance, and consideration.
Legal experts like Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN, note that many Nigerian IVF clinics follow UK’s Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) guidelines. Meanwhile, Adeola Oyinlade & Co has warned about the legal grey areas involving child rights and potential human trafficking concerns.
Still, the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria (Order 23) allows for assisted conception, including IVF, embryo donation, and surrogacy, under professional supervision.
What Makes a Good Surrogate? Expert Tips from Judith
Over the years, Judith has developed a strict checklist to increase success rates for her clients:
- Must have given birth before (preferably with the child still alive)
- Should be under age 33
- Must pass all health screenings (HIV, Hepatitis, fertility, etc.)
- Should demonstrate a genuine willingness to carry a baby to term
“This is not just a medical process—it’s emotional and psychological too. That’s why screening is so important.”
Surrogacy Is a Right, Not a Crime
Amid growing debates about the morality and ethics of surrogacy, especially on social media, Judith stands firm:
“Wanting a child is never a sin. Women who seek surrogacy are not hurting anyone. Whether it’s your first child or you’re hoping for a daughter after four boys, that desire is valid.”
Her advice to other women?
“Go for it. Don’t wait. If you can afford it and your partner supports you, take the step. It could be the start of something beautiful.”
Empowering Women Through Surrogacy in Nigeria
Today, My Surrogate Twins Agency has helped dozens of couples and individuals fulfill their dreams of parenthood. Judith Akinwunmi is not just a mother of twins—she’s a trailblazer in Nigeria’s surrogacy space, turning personal pain into a powerful purpose.
