Uganda Human Rights Commission Rejects Surrogacy Proposal for Under-21s
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has rejected a proposal allowing fertility treatments, including surrogacy, for people aged 18 to 20, instead suggesting the minimum age be capped at 21 years.
The Commission expressed concerns that the proposed age limit of 18 years was too low, arguing that teenagers in this age group may not be mature enough to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
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During a press briefing, Ruth Ssekindi, the Director of Monitoring and Inspection at UHRC, explained the rationale behind the Commission’s position.
“The Commission knows that the youths in the ages of 18, 19, and 20 are very gullible and vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. If you remember yourselves at 18, could you make good decisions about reproduction? I think as Ugandans, we should make laws that are commensurate and fit into our context. The majority of our youths between 18-20 years are also still in High School and have just joined Tertiary Institutions.'' Ssekindi noted
The Commission argued that the emotional, physical, and psychological impacts of fertility treatments such as surrogacy require a higher level of maturity, which is more likely to be present at 21 years and above.
They emphasised that this age adjustment would protect young people from potential exploitation and abuse in the fertility industry, which is complex and often involves significant financial and ethical considerations.
The UHRC’s recommendation aligns with ongoing debates in the country about the best age for individuals to make informed reproductive decisions.
Stakeholders have been divided, with some advocating for more autonomy for 18-year-olds, while others, like the UHRC, believe a higher age limit is essential for safeguarding young people’s welfare.
As discussions continue, the Commission has urged lawmakers to consider the unique Ugandan context when drafting laws on reproductive health services.