A Promise Too Costly: The Harrowing Reality of Egg Donation Among Nigerian Women

 

Egg donation is often portrayed as a noble act—one that brings hope to women struggling with infertility. However, for many young Nigerian women, the reality is far from glamorous. Stories have emerged on social media detailing the painful and deceptive experiences of those who have sold their eggs, revealing a disturbing industry that preys on financial desperation and ignorance about the long-term consequences.

One such story comes from a Twitter user, Ambrosia (@dojarabbit_), who shared how she was pressured into selling her eggs during her second year at university. The process seemed simple on the surface—one injection and a generous payout of ₦150,000 per egg. But what was not disclosed were the health risks involved. "They won’t tell you how the injections will affect your overall health," she lamented.

Iyanuoluwa (@shelovesbread) took it a step further, revealing that she had actually gone through with the procedure four years ago at a clinic in Abuja. Initially promised ₦140,000, she was paid a meager ₦35,000 after the clinic claimed her retrieved eggs were "of no use." She recounted how the entire process left her devastated, robbing her of her virginity and leaving her feeling permanently altered. "I was too naive," she admitted.

A Market Thriving on Ignorance and Desperation

The practice of egg donation is not illegal in Nigeria, but it remains largely unregulated, creating an environment where young women—especially students—are lured with promises of easy money. These clinics rarely disclose the full extent of the medical procedures involved, nor do they educate donors on potential complications.

The process requires a donor to undergo multiple hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries into producing multiple eggs, which are then retrieved via a surgical procedure. These hormone treatments, while effective, can have severe side effects, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause life-threatening complications such as blood clots and kidney failure.

For many young women, the decision to donate eggs is made out of financial necessity, without fully understanding the impact on their reproductive health. Some later discover that the long-term consequences can include reduced fertility, hormonal imbalances, and even early menopause.

Public Outcry and Moral Debate

The revelations sparked an outpouring of reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many condemning the practice, particularly when it involves young women who have not had children of their own.

Twitter user Kofoworola (@Lexxxx) voiced her strong disapproval: "No woman should be selling her eggs, especially young girls who haven’t given birth at all. Imagine endangering yourself for peanuts. I’d hold any woman responsible if she has fertility issues!!"

Another user, Prof. Photosynthesis IIIX (@hor…), painted a grim picture of the future consequences of egg donation. "You sold eggs in your early 20s, thinking marriage would come by late 20s, but marriage came in your late 30s. Now it's time to have children, but your eggs are scarce. Panic enters with high tension…"

While some people acknowledged the potential benefits of egg donation for couples struggling with infertility, many agreed that there needs to be stricter regulations and better education for potential donors. The lack of informed consent, deceptive payment practices, and the exploitation of financially vulnerable women remain major concerns.

A Call for Regulation and Awareness

As the conversation around egg donation continues to gain traction, medical professionals and activists are calling for stricter guidelines to protect donors. Transparent education about the risks, fair compensation, and post-procedure medical care are crucial to ensuring that young women do not unknowingly put their health at risk.

Egg donation, when done ethically, can be a life-changing gift for families struggling to conceive. However, without proper oversight, it remains a dangerous and exploitative practice, particularly in Nigeria, where financial desperation often leads women into making uninformed choices with irreversible consequences.

For now, the harrowing stories of Ambrosia, Iyanuoluwa, and many others serve as a stark warning to young women: the price of selling your eggs may be far greater than the amount promised.