From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, DePauw University, United States, and an Assistant Professor of Law, American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, Dr. Jennifer H. Mike has been awarded the best paper presenter on advocacy for Artificial Reproduction in females.
The paper was titled, ‘Securing Access to Artificial Reproductive Technologies (ART) as a Human Right’, which was held at the 2025 – Social Science & Humanities Research Association (SSHRA) International Conference, on January 20-21 in Tokyo, Japan.
The paper presentation which was made available to Daily Sun in Nigeria, Professor Mike said the ability to decide when and how to have children is central to human dignity, and the inability to access ART affects this fundamental right.
According to her, “I was honored to receive the Best Paper Presenter Award and was also recognized as an Eminent Person for the conference. My presentation advocated for enhanced access to artificial reproductive technologies (ART) as a fundamental human rights issue.
“These technologies include, but are not limited to, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT), Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT), Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), the use of donor eggs or sperm, egg and embryo freezing, and surrogacy.
“Ensuring equitable access to these reproductive options is essential for upholding the rights to reproductive autonomy, family formation, and gender and healthcare equality.
“As advancements in medical science provide individuals and couples with opportunities to conceive despite biological or medical challenges, the legal and ethical discourse surrounding ART must evolve to ensure that access is not restricted by economic, social, or discriminatory barriers.
“It also makes the point that reproductive rights are enshrined in various international human rights frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
“The ability to decide when and how to have children is central to human dignity, and the inability to access ART affects this fundamental right.
“One of the most significant challenges in ART accessibility is affordability. High costs associated with procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg freezing, and surrogacy place these technologies out of reach for many individuals.
“Governments must recognize ART as essential healthcare and incorporate it into public health policies to ensure equitable access.
“A call for Legal and Policy Reforms
To uphold ART as a human right, legal frameworks must recognize ART as part of the right to health and family life, subsidize or provide insurance coverage for ART treatments.
“Eliminate discriminatory laws that limit ART access based on marital status, gender, or sexual orientation, and ensure ethical surrogacy laws that protect both surrogate mothers and intended parents.”
