title: Stakeholders' views on ethical issues in the practice of in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer in Nigeria.
abstract: The provision of IVF for the specialized treatment of infertility has grown very rapidly in Nigeria in recent times, especially within the private sector. The objective of this study was to document the views of key stakeholders regarding salient ethical issues relating to the practice of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) in Nigeria. A think-tank session was convened with participants drawn from different backgrounds and disciplines to deliberate on ethical issues in IVF. Ten key issues were discussed at this inaugural session. It was unanimously agreed that there are no right or wrong answers when considering the ethics and morality of IVF as these are principally dependent on choice and circumstances. However within the legal and socio-cultural dictates of the Nigerian society, right and wrong may be clearly determined on some issues. With the expansion of the IVF industry and technology in Nigeria, the need to address related ethical issues have become paramount. The forum recommended that it is important that regulatory guidelines are put in place to regulate the practice of IVF in Nigeria and to protect patients' rights and safety.
authors.affiliation: Assisted Conception Unit, The Bridge Clinic, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. bridge@om.metrong.com
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Ajayi
authors.forename: O J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Dibosa-Osadolor
mesh_terms: D026688:Bioethical Issues; D003469:Culture; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000941:ethics*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000941:ethics*; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D013533:Gestational Carriers; D020458:Third-Party Consent