Child adoption as treatment option for infertility in Nigeria

Adesina Oladokun, University of Ibadan
Oyedunni S. Arulogun, University of Ibadan
Regina Oladokun, University of Ibadan
Oludare Morhason-Bello, University College Hospital
Elijah Bamgboye, University of Ibadan
Isaac Adewole, Campaign Against Unwanted Pregnancy (CAUP)
Oladosu Ojengbede, University of Ibadan

Child adoption that may serve as an alternative treatment option for infertility for the affected couples is yet to be fully explored and integrated into management schedules. This was a cross-sectional interviewer administered questionnaire survey involving 602 consenting men and women within Ibadan metropolis, South-Western Nigeria from May to July 2008. There is a general consensus on what child adoption is among the 95.2 % of the participants who were aware of child adoption. However, only 32.6% of the participants believe child adoption is a treatment option for infertility and 43.9% will consider adopting if found in such situation. In conclusion, this study shows high level of awareness of child adoption in the community but fewer people see it as a treatment option for infertility. Measures like advocacy, community mobilization and enactment of supportive law will help in promoting its acceptability.