BEIJING, Jan. 28 -- China is tightening control over institutions offering assisted reproductive techniques and human sperm banks in the country.

An official from the Ministry of Health, Qi Guoming, says the county's assisted reproduction industry is basically in order, but there are still a few illegal and substandard operations posing problems.

    "We are calling on local health departments to strike hard against those who adopt assisted reproductive techniques and establish sperm banks without permission. We will also monitor permitted operations to ensure they continue meeting established technical and ethical standards. Violators will be severely punished according to relevant regulations."

    Since 2001, China has enacted a series of regulations governing assisted reproductive techniques. So far 37 medical organizations around the country have been approved to offer such techniques.

    Furthermore, there are currently five official sperm banks in the country. They are located in the municipalities of Shanghai and Chongqing, and the provinces of Hunan, Jiangsu and Guangdong.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)