China has strictly criminalised all forms of surrogacy following a crackdown on illegal underground reproductive facilities in Changsha that resulted in multiple arrests. The National Health Commission reiterated that surrogacy agreements violate ethical norms and receive no legal protection under the country's laws. Beyond legal consequences, health experts emphasize the significant physical and emotional risks surrogacy poses to women, including IVF complications, gestational diabetes, and the dangers of unregulated medical procedures.

China has strictly criminalised all forms of surrogacy following a crackdown on illegal underground reproductive facilities in Changsha that resulted in multiple arrests. The National Health Commission reiterated that surrogacy agreements violate ethical norms and receive no legal protection under the country's laws. Beyond legal consequences, health experts emphasize the significant physical and emotional risks surrogacy poses to women, including IVF complications, gestational diabetes, and the dangers of unregulated medical procedures.

China has strictly criminalised all forms of surrogacy following a crackdown on illegal underground reproductive facilities in Changsha that resulted in multiple arrests. The National Health Commission reiterated that surrogacy agreements violate ethical norms and receive no legal protection under the country's laws. Beyond legal consequences, health experts emphasize the significant physical and emotional risks surrogacy poses to women, including IVF complications, gestational diabetes, and the dangers of unregulated medical procedures.

China has made surrogacy a criminal offence, tightening regulations following reports of underground facilities illegally providing assisted reproductive services.

National Health Commission spokesperson Yang Jinrui mentioned that China strictly prohibits all forms of surrogacy, and organising such arrangements constitutes a criminal offence that violates ethical norms and will attract severe legal penalties.

It was also stated that these 'surrogacy agreements' are not protected by law, and those involved in such arrangements may also face legal accountability.

The warning follows reports that illegal facilities were operating in Changsha, providing assisted reproductive services.

According to the Global Times, twenty-one people were detained, and drugs used in the procedures were seized during an investigation into the illegal operations.

China banned surrogacy in 2001, prohibiting medical institutions and health care professionals from undertaking any form of surrogacy technology.

What are the health risks of surrogacy for women?

Surrogacy raises important maternal health concerns. Pregnancy involves significant physical changes and carries potential risks, regardless of whether conception occurs naturally or through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Women undergoing IVF may experience complications associated with hormonal stimulation and egg retrieval. These include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, fluid accumulation and, in severe cases, potentially life-threatening complications.

A surrogate mother also faces the usual risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, premature delivery and postpartum haemorrhage. Multiple embryo transfers can increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies and may further raise the risk of premature birth and pregnancy-related complications.

Surrogate mothers may experience emotional distress during pregnancy or after childbirth, particularly when they experience separation from the baby and inadequate support.

The risks become more concerning when women undergo fertility procedures in unregulated clinics without proper medical screening, informed consent, emergency care or long-term follow-up.

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