Popular blogger and media-preneur, Linda Ikeji is in Atlanta for the delivery of her first son. The mom to be announced this on social media and also gave a hint of her son’s name. Her post read: I hate cold water but I have to do this for Baby J. The mom-to-be landed in Atlanta a few days ago with her mother who will be performing the traditional omugwo duties.
Ikeji joins a growing section of Nigerians who choose to have their babies abroad for reasons that are obvious- Nigeria’s health care system has suffered continuous decline for nearly four decades. Not only that, having a dual citizenship appears to be sufficient insurance against unforeseen issues that may arise in the country.
According to Georgia Health News, the cost of vaginal delivery in Atlanta and environs starts at $8,497, approximately N3.1 million while cesarean delivery costs an estimated $9,424 (N3.5million).
In Maryland USA, another popular spot for Nigerian parents, vaginal birth costs $11,820 (N4.3million) while a c-section costs $15,820 (N5.7 million).
In Texas, it costs $13,150 (N4.8 million) for a vaginal birth while a c-section costs $18,426 (N6.7 million).
Vaginal births in California coats $13,081 (N4.7 million) while a c-section costs $18,088 (N6.5 Million).
Meanwhile, in the UK, a caesarean section costs about £6,040 while a normal delivery costs £3,935. In Switzerland, a c-section costs $11,000while a vaginal birth costs $8,000.
Births in Australia is a bit cheaper as a c-section costs $10,000 while vaginal birth costs $6,000. In the Netherlands however, vaginal birth costs $3,500 while a c-section costs about $6,000 according to the BBC.
Global research ranks Nigeria fourth worst country in the world for childbirth, with an alarming 814 deaths per 100,000 live births. Experts believe that figure is an underestimate as there are several unreported cases, especially in rural areas.