The abuse of assisted reproductive technology (ART) was forbidden in China, which involves surrogacy and the selling and buying of eggs and sperm, said Mao Qun'an, spokesman for the Ministry of Health.

"Surrogacy can cause social and moral problems and is illegal, therefore it is clearly banned by the ministry," acknowledged Mao.

Surrogate motherhood and sale of eggs and sperm were also illegal in other countries as well, he said.

Mao hoped the media would help more in exposing the illegal trade in eggs and sperm and surrogacy, saying that the ministry prosecuted a group of medical institutions following news reports last year.

"We have also publicized authorized medical institutions on our website and in other media. It is important for the public to know if an institution is legitimate when they are seeking such services," he said.

A growing number of websites are advertising surrogate pregnancy services in China provided by organizations and individuals like college students, charging up to 100,000 yuan (12,200 U.S. dollars) for each deal, according to recent media reports.

A website describing itself as the first website for surrogate mothers saw a growth in business despite legal and ethical concerns, China Daily reported in February.

The Ministry of Health on April 7 issued a regulation on the control of ART and sperm banks, banning supplies of eggs and sperm to unauthorized institutions and for commercial use.

One donor's semen is restricted to a maximum of five women for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer and to eight women for artificial insemination, according to the regulation.

Egg donors must be those whose eggs are collected while receiving ART. The embryo has to be kept frozen and not be impregnated until the donors are screened for HIV/AIDS and other diseases six months after, the regulation says.

By the end of last month, 64 institutions had been authorized to offer ART-related services and seven institutions had established sperm banks with approval of the ministry.

Institutions that have started such businesses are required to suspend operations until they obtain government authorization. Health technicians in the institutions are required to attend training programs to obtain qualification certificates, the ministry said.