New law poised to prohibit surrogacy

The top legislature is considering banning surrogacy, as well as the buying and selling of sperm, eggs, fertilized eggs and embryos in China, as it reviews a draft amendment to a family planning law.

Violators will face fines of at least 10,000 yuan ($1,540), or even criminal charges, according to the draft.

The amendment, proposed on Monday by the State Council, China's Cabinet, to the National People's Congress for review, would allow only authorized medical institutions to conduct assisted reproductive technologies after approval from provincial-level health authorities.