Women Lured Into Trafficking Under Nigeria’s 'Miracle Pregnancy' Scam

An alarming fertility scam targeting vulnerable women has been exposed in Nigeria. A network of fake clinics deceiving women with promises of miraculous pregnancies was found in a shocking investigation conducted by BBC Africa Eye. The extent of this fraud in Anambra State is horrifying, and a sad reflection of our society.

Women Lured Into Trafficking Under Nigeria’s 'Miracle Pregnancy' Scam

The scam has been praying on women struggling with infertility, exploiting their emotional vulnerability and societal pressures. Posing as legitimate healthcare professionals, scammers lure these women with claims of ‘instant pregnancies’ through fake and harmful treatments. These so-called “miracle fertility treatments” come at a hefty cost, often running into hundreds of dollars, reported BBC Africa Eye.

Women are administered unproven concoctions, including injections and potions, causing symptoms that mimic pregnancy, such as swollen bellies. Victims are explicitly warned against consulting real medical practitioners, with scammers claiming that standard tests cannot detect the “baby” allegedly growing outside the womb.

Survivor Testimonies

The testimonies of survivors were absolutely devastating. One woman, Chioma, revealed that she “carried” her supposed child for 15 months. At the time of delivery, she was pressured to buy a “rare and expensive drug” to induce labour. Victims are often anaesthetized during the procedure, waking up with stitches and believing they have delivered a baby.

In another chilling account, a woman described being injected and hallucinating during what she was told was labour. The experience left her in excruciating pain. Many women receive babies, often through unclear means, convinced they have given birth.

A Dark Hidden Agenda: Trafficking and Exploitation

The scam goes beyond fake pregnancies. State health officials discovered that these fraudulent clinics confine women against their will, forcing them to sell their newborns. During a raid, authorities found women and teenagers as young as 17 living in harmful conditions. Some women lured under the guise of receiving their “delivered” baby, were trafficked instead.

Societal Pressures Fueling Desperation

Nigeria’s culture further enables and exacerbates the problem. The country, with one of the highest birth rates globally, places immense societal pressure on women to bear children. Childless women often face stigma and discrimination, driving them to seek solutions at any cost—even from harmful and dubious sources.

The Need for Change

In response to the revelations, health authorities in Anambra State have put in efforts to shut down these illicit operations. Commissioner Ify Obinabo emphasized the urgency of regulating fertility treatments and called for societal shifts in attitudes toward women’s reproductive decisions.

While some clinics have been closed, experts stress the need for stricter oversight and education to protect women from such exploitation. This dark case highlights the importance of addressing the root causes—societal stigma and lack of access to legitimate healthcare—that leave women vulnerable to scams.