Socio-demographic determinants of attitudes towards surrogacy practice in North-Central Nigeria

Surrogacy offers hope to people and couples who cannot conceive through traditional methods. While its potential advantages, surrogacy presents intricate ethical, legal, and cultural dilemmas where traditional family dynamics and lineage are of paramount cultural significance.

Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this research investigates public perceptions of surrogacy within a varied socio-cultural framework.

Data were collected across North-Central Nigeria using a non-experimental, cross-sectional survey approach. Responses were examined by descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models.

Multiple regression analyses revealed that marital status was the strongest predictor of surrogacy acceptance (β = 0.3352, p < 0.001), followed by age (β = 0.0265, p < 0.01). Religious affiliation was negatively associated with both ethical concerns (β =  -0.1856, p < 0.05) and financial/legal support (β =  -0.1939, p < 0.05). Individuals linked to the medical profession reported greater ethical concern about surrogacy (β = 0.2327, p < 0.05). The findings highlight the necessity of culturally sensitive policy and focused public education to rectify misconceptions and promote acceptance.

to foster acceptance and support for surrogacy in North-Central Nigeria requires culturally sensitive policymaking, educational programmes, and community engagement to expand reproductive rights and family-building opportunities.