BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- China prohibits all forms of surrogacy, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission (NHC) said on Friday, stressing that surrogacy is illegal and punishable by law.
Yang Jinrui, the NHC spokesperson, said at a press conference that so-called surrogacy agreements are not protected by law, and those who enter into such agreements may also face legal consequences.
Recent media reports have exposed illegal intermediaries operating underground surrogacy businesses in venues without proper medical facilities, where unqualified personnel carry out highly irregular procedures that pose serious risks, Yang said.
Such illegal operators often abuse ovulation-inducing drugs, which can easily cause ovarian damage in women and even pose life-threatening risks. Meanwhile, poor conditions for embryo cultivation and transfer can put newborns at risk of death and serious birth defects, Yang noted.
A report issued by the United Nations Human Rights Council found that surrogacy seriously undermines women's rights and harms children, and recommended the gradual prohibition of all forms of surrogacy, according to the NHC.
The NHC advised people experiencing difficulties conceiving to seek proper diagnosis and treatment at medical institutions licensed for assisted reproductive technology, while information on qualified institutions is available on the websites of local health authorities.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report suspected illegal surrogacy activities to local public security or health authorities. ■
