Rise in China’s Surrogacy Industry: Challenges in Enforcement and Regulation

A recent editorial in a Chinese media outlet discusses the booming surrogate mother industry in the country due to economic downturns. The situation appears to be difficult, with crackdowns proving ineffective./ Guangming Daily.

The surrogate mother industry, largely due to the economic downturn, is spreading like wildfire across China. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it is spreading like an epidemic.

In China, pregnancy and childbirth through surrogacy are clear violations of the law. If caught by authorities, one must be prepared for severe punishment. The case of famous actress Zheng Shuang (32), who secretly obtained children through surrogacy in the United States and was permanently expelled two years ago, shows the extent of the disadvantages when the law is violated.

However, as long as there is a demand for surrogacy, it cannot be completely eradicated. According to recent reports from media outlets including Guangming Daily, the situation appears to be showing the opposite trend. With a surplus of supply, it is quite easy for those who want to find a surrogate mother.

Naturally, the cost of a surrogate mother, who provides services from childbirth to the sex of the child and birth certificate, is not cheap. Depending on the case, the cost can reach a level that the average middle class cannot afford due to the flourishing black market. However, the national average is estimated to be around 900,000 yuan (approximately $140,000). For desperate customers who want a child, it seems to be a level at which they can invest with a heavy heart.

Looking at the average detailed costs set by industry practices, they appear to be quite reasonable. First, the money spent on a surrogate mother contract is at least 50,000 yuan. Then, implanting the sperm into the surrogate mother costs about 200,000 yuan more. An average of 150,000 yuan is needed to confirm the pregnancy by listening to the fetus’s heartbeat. The postpartum care fee that the surrogate mother receives after childbirth also reaches around 150,000 yuan.

The Chinese authorities are well aware of this reality. They are known to be conducting rigorous crackdowns through sting operations. However, because the transactions are conducted secretly, it is quite difficult to detect them. Considering the pain of infertile couples, there is a public opinion questioning whether crackdowns are the best choice. This is a burden for the authorities. As time goes by, the authorities’ worries are bound to deepen.

By. Soon Do Hong