In Chengdu, a 28-year-old woman who acted as a surrogate has reportedly been abandoned by her surrogacy agency, leading to significant criticism on social media and prompting an investigation by health authorities. Surrogacy is illegal in China, and authorities had announced a crackdown on illegal activities related to assisted reproductive technologies, including surrogacy and the trading of sperm and eggs.
In an effort to increase its declining birth rate—which saw a further drop for the second consecutive year in 2023—China’s State Council recently introduced 13 measures aimed at creating a more supportive environment for childbirth.
The surrogate woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, underwent an embryo transfer three months prior but initially displayed no signs of pregnancy. After being sent home by the surrogacy agency, she later discovered she was pregnant but was unable to contact the agency for assistance. This situation has gained traction on the social media platform Weibo, where it has sparked thousands of comments and discussions.
A user tracking surrogacy cases in China, Shangguan Zhengyi, shared the story online, highlighting the secretive nature of surrogacy practices in the country. Many users on Weibo echoed sentiments about the prevalence of underground surrogacy, with one user noting that demand will lead to such practices regardless of legality.
The Chengdu Wuhou District Health Bureau responded by stating that they are taking the situation seriously and are investigating the involved medical institutions. They assured that any verified wrongdoing would be dealt with in accordance with laws and regulations. However, some users expressed frustration over the lack of legal frameworks governing surrogacy in China, suggesting that without legislation, such practices would continue to exist in secrecy.
This incident not only highlights the challenges surrounding surrogacy in China but also reflects broader societal issues related to fertility, reproductive rights, and the complexities of navigating laws that are not aligned with current practices. The ongoing investigation by health authorities aims to address these concerns, but the underlying issues related to surrogacy’s illegality and the societal demand for it remain unresolved.
