Baby Factory

In this video, ChannelsTV in their story about a “Baby Factory” in Owerri Imo State, Nigeria, aptly captured another heartbreaking and enduring challenge of teenage mothers in Nigeria. Although not a recent discovery and publication, it is noteworthy that the situation that resulted in the unlawful custody of unmarried young mothers and their children (un)born remains the circumstance of many teenage mothers today” … a situation of confusion, homelessness, fear of societal stigma and worry about care provision for them and their children. This is made worse by the poor access to social, financial and psychosocial support from friends, parents/family, teachers, the church etc.

In order to shield themselves from these unpleasant situations, vulnerable young women who become pregnant outside of marriage are in most cases cajoled into checking into supposed Care Homes for unmarried pregnant teenagers. Whilst some of these homes operate legally with government approvals, some others are illegal and clandestine hubs where human rights abuse is rife. The goal of the later is to exploit, dehumanize and eventually sell the child of the teenage mother without the consent of the young woman. This is not adoption as legally approved in any country. This is an act of inhumanity; one which GAP International strongly condemns.

At GAP International, our goal is to work with government agencies and other relevant stakeholders to identify and provide post- trauma care for any young woman who went through such ordeal in the hands of Baby Factory operators and ensure that such young mothers are supported in every way possible to pursue their good dreams and aspirations. We also work with government agencies to ensure innocent babies who become victims of this illicit trade are not only found but reunited with their mothers and provided a better life.

Partner with us today and together we can bring hope and actual positive change to the lives of teenage single parents and their children.