Gynaecologists, under the auspices of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health, have warned practitioners to desist from carrying out unethical health procedures.

 

The Vice-Chairman of the association, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, made the appeal at the association’s fifth International Conference entitled “Role of Ethics and Regulation in IVF”.

 

According to him, some procedures in IVF, when done by unqualified persons can put a woman’s life on danger.

 

Though there are breakthroughs in assisted reproduction, Ajayi insisted, it would be unethical for experts to try the arbitrarily on their clients.

 

He added, “Reproductive medicine now is like science fiction. That some procedures we never thought of in the past are now available does not mean we have to abuse such advanced methods.

 

“That is why ethics cannot be compromised in IVF and other assisted reproduction. Infertility is a huge problem in our society, which places premium on child bearing, and women will go to any length to conceive. However, doctors must be there to guide them.”

 

The AFRH President, Dr. Taye Iketubosun, identified ignorance about fertility treatment as the major reason for the exploitation of many clients.

 

 

Iketubosun also canvassed the need to educate stakeholders on the dangers of carrying out unethical procedures on fertility challenged women.

 

He said, “We are concerned about ethics as it relates to IVF. That is the reason why AFRH is organising this conference so that IVF practitioners, doctors, embryologists, fertility nurses, counsellors, and pharmacists can come together to share ideas and promote best practices on reproductive biology and medicine as well as increase public awareness of reproductive process.”

 

The Local Organising Chairman, Dr. Adewunmi Adeyemi-Bero, said the conference would provide opportunities for over 500 delegates to share experiences on advanced reproductive procedures.

 

BY BUKOLA ADEBAYO 

THE PUNCH.