Assisted Reproductive Technology: The Perspectives of Religious Leaders in Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023-09-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wolters-Kluwer (MedKnow)
Abstract
Background: Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after
12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Prevalence is about 30.3% in Africa. In Nigeria, it is associated with
emotional crises and stigmatization. Consequently, couples seek orthodox and non-orthodox treatment including assisted reproductive
technology (ART) to achieve conception. ARTs have helped with about 50% of infertility cases in the Western world. However, it is
yet to achieve the same feat in Africa and this has been attributed to religious hindrances among other factors. The study aims to
assess the awareness, knowledge, and beliefs of religious leaders on ART. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study
using questionnaires was carried out among randomly selected religious leaders above the age of 18 years using a multistage sampling
technique. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: The results showed that 77.7% agreed ART is used to manage infertility, 88.2% agreed that ART can sometimes fail, and
92.3% believed their faith permits ART. All the religious platforms accepted ART. The male respondents agreed to accept adults born
through ART to lead prayers in churches, mosques, and traditional settings unlike their female counterparts. Conclusion: Majority
of followers of Christianity, Islam, and traditional religions are aware of, and accept some, but not all ARTs, and will accept children
born through ART into their congregations.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Assisted reproductive technology, infertility, in vitro fertilization, perspective, religious leader