China bans all surrogacy services

The government of China announced a total ban on all forms of surrogacy services. National Health Commission spokesperson Yang Jinrui stated that providing surrogacy services is now a criminal offense and those who provide such services will face strict action. Reproductive centers operating these services no longer have legal status. The government stated the action follows reports of illegal reproductive services and concerns regarding women's health and rights. China is taking this action in the context of its efforts to increase its population due to an aging demographic. China previously issued a ban on surrogacy in 2001, which the government noted was not fully implemented.