Finding and initial Findings

Shangguan Zhengyi, an “anti-trafficking volunteer,” brought the operation to light, revealing the existence of a fully functional, albeit illegal, surrogacy lab. The facility was discovered in a private villa, raising concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable women.

Inside the Illegal Operation

An investigation conducted by Elephant news and Shangguan Zhengyi revealed disturbing details about the villa’s interior:

• Laboratory, Operating Room, and Ward: The villa housed a complete medical setup.
• 16 Beds: The ward contained 16 beds,indicating a high volume of activity.
• medical Supplies: A large quantity of embryo transfer and egg retrieval equipment and medications were found on site.
• Women Present: When law enforcement raided the villa, nine women were present, either recovering in bed or having just undergone surgery. These included both egg donors and surrogate mothers.

Testimonies from the Women Involved

The investigation uncovered harrowing accounts from women involved in the surrogacy operation:

• Deaf and Mute Woman: A woman born in 1984 from Shangluo, Shaanxi, communicated via sign language that she had undergone an embryo transplant and received RMB 280,000 (approximately $38,700 USD) as compensation.
• Yi woman from Sichuan: A 29-year-old woman from Sichuan reported being taken to the villa just before her embryo implantation. She underwent the procedure without anesthesia and was promised RMB 190,000 (approximately $26,300 USD).

“They brought me here right before the operation. I didn’t even get anesthesia.”

Yi Woman from Sichuan

Modus Operandi

The surrogacy ring operated with a high degree of association and a focus on evading detection:

• Transportation: Unlicensed vehicles were used to transport between four and ten women to the villa daily for procedures.
• Post-Op Care: After surgery, the women were quickly moved back to the city.
• Division of Labor: The operation exhibited a clear division of labor,suggesting a well-coordinated network.

Official Response

the Changsha County Health and Family Planning Bureau issued a statement confirming the investigation and subsequent actions:

• Joint Investigation: The bureau collaborated with public security units to investigate the site.
• Site Closure: The illegal laboratory has been shut down.
• Detainment: Individuals involved in the operation are now in custody.
• Legal Action: Authorities have pledged to impose strict legal penalties on those found guilty.

The bureau stated that it has worked with the public security and other units to investigate and deal with the location involved.The site has been closed and the person involved is under control. It will be punished strictly in accordance with the law in the future.

Broader Implications

This incident has drawn important attention to China’s underground surrogacy industry and the ethical concerns surrounding it, notably the exploitation of vulnerable populations.