In Nigeria, the quest for motherhood can sometimes lead women down a dark path. One such example is Chioma, who believes her son Hope is a miracle baby after eight years of infertility struggles. However, the story takes a sinister twist as Chioma claims she carried Hope for 15 months, a statement that has raised eyebrows among family and officials in Anambra state.
State commissioner Ify Obinabo is investigating claims around a disturbing “cryptic pregnancy” scam that targets women yearning for children. Many, including Chioma, turn to dubious “clinics” that promise miraculous fertility treatments, only to find themselves ensnared in exploitation.
These scammers often masquerade as medical professionals, offering a concoction of untested and dangerous treatments for hefty fees. In many cases, the treatments lead to physical changes resulting in women genuinely believing they are pregnant, despite traditional methods not confirming it.
Meanwhile, the supposed “deliveries” are just as harrowing. Women report waking up with surgical scars or under the influence of drugs, all while being manipulated into believing they have given birth. This deceitful web extends through various online groups, further enabling misinformation about pregnancy and reproductive health.
Authorities have begun to tackle this epidemic, but the deep-rooted societal pressures surrounding infertility mean that such scams could continue to proliferate. Women like Chioma, while initially victimized, face the reality of possibly losing their children if biological parents come forward. The outlook for change remains bleak amidst systemic stigma and misinformation impacting women's rights.
Without progress in attitudes towards reproduction and adoption, scams like this could thrive unchecked. The need for awareness and reform in reproductive rights is more pressing than ever in the fight against these deceptive practices.
State commissioner Ify Obinabo is investigating claims around a disturbing “cryptic pregnancy” scam that targets women yearning for children. Many, including Chioma, turn to dubious “clinics” that promise miraculous fertility treatments, only to find themselves ensnared in exploitation.
These scammers often masquerade as medical professionals, offering a concoction of untested and dangerous treatments for hefty fees. In many cases, the treatments lead to physical changes resulting in women genuinely believing they are pregnant, despite traditional methods not confirming it.
Meanwhile, the supposed “deliveries” are just as harrowing. Women report waking up with surgical scars or under the influence of drugs, all while being manipulated into believing they have given birth. This deceitful web extends through various online groups, further enabling misinformation about pregnancy and reproductive health.
Authorities have begun to tackle this epidemic, but the deep-rooted societal pressures surrounding infertility mean that such scams could continue to proliferate. Women like Chioma, while initially victimized, face the reality of possibly losing their children if biological parents come forward. The outlook for change remains bleak amidst systemic stigma and misinformation impacting women's rights.
Without progress in attitudes towards reproduction and adoption, scams like this could thrive unchecked. The need for awareness and reform in reproductive rights is more pressing than ever in the fight against these deceptive practices.
