Vivian, wife of media personality and actor Victor Nwaogu, popularly known as Nkubi, has spoken publicly about what she described as a deeply insensitive encounter during a prenatal medical consultation.
In an interview with Pulse One-on-One, Vivian recounted a moment during her anomaly scan when a doctor allegedly questioned her decision to conceive with her husband after learning that dwarfism runs in his family.
According to her, the doctor asked whether there was a history of dwarfism in her family. She responded that the trait was present in her husband. She said the consultation then took an unexpected and troubling turn.
“He asked me, ‘Why didn’t you go to your brother-in-law or even go outside to get pregnant instead of getting pregnant for your husband, or even get a sperm donor?’” Vivian alleged during the interview.
She described the remark as shocking and hurtful, adding that the experience left her feeling that families living with dwarfism and other genetic traits do not receive equal respect or understanding within parts of the healthcare system.
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Vivian’s revelation has since sparked conversations on social media about medical ethics, patient dignity, and the need for greater sensitivity when discussing genetic conditions and reproductive choices.
Advocates say healthcare professionals are expected to provide accurate medical information and counselling while respecting patients’ autonomy and family decisions.
The Nigerian Medical Association’s code of ethics emphasises non-discrimination and the importance of maintaining professionalism in patient interactions.
Neither the doctor involved nor the medical facility was identified in the interview.
The incident has added to broader discussions about inclusion, respect for persons living with dwarfism, and the responsibility of healthcare providers to uphold empathy and ethical standards in clinical practice.