China has launched a nationwide campaign against surrogate pregnancy. The campaign was announced at a news conference of the National Health and Family Planning Commission on Friday.
The cross-department campaign will start in April and run to the end of the year. Surrogate motherhood is banned in China. The campaign will focus on identifying and punishing medical personnel and intermediary agencies that are involved in the surrogate motherhood business.
Online, TV, radio and print media that carry surrogacy advertisements will also be checked. Authorities will step up supervision over the sale and circulation of assisted reproductive technology, drugs and medical equipment.
Despite the ban in China, the wombs-for-rent business has thrived. Studies show that an estimated one in eight couples face fertility problems.
"We'll crack down on illegal surrogacy as a long-term task, until it's effectively controlled. Our commission has set up a special hotline: 12356. People can provide information on any medical personnel, intermediary, media organization or individuals who are involved in the illegal practice," said Song Shuli, spokesperson of National Health and Family Planning Commission.