Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential illegal activities of Saint Bella, a high-end postpartum care brand, including suspected surrogacy and gender selection services, as well as issues related to false advertising and compliance violations [2][3][21]. Group 1: Company Overview - Saint Bella, known as the "Hermès of postpartum care," is nearing its IPO approval in Hong Kong, planning to issue up to 192 million shares [3]. - The company operates several brands, including "Saint Bella," "Ai Yu," and "Little Bella," with postpartum care packages priced from 68,800 yuan to over 500,000 yuan [3]. - Founded by two post-80s returnees, the company has expanded rapidly through a "light asset" model, initially renting luxury hotel spaces for its centers [15][16]. Group 2: Allegations of Illegal Activities - Early promotional materials from the company included terms related to surrogacy and gender selection, which are illegal under Chinese law [4][8]. - A recruitment presentation from 2021 explicitly mentioned services like "third-party assistance" and "surrogacy," raising concerns about the company's compliance with regulations [5][6][8]. - Despite the allegations, the company has not confirmed whether it has engaged in surrogacy services, although other centers have been reported to do so [11][12]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Saint Bella reported revenues of 259 million yuan, 472 million yuan, 560 million yuan, and 358 million yuan for the years 2021 to 2024 (first half), respectively [24]. - The company has shown a pattern of increasing revenue but has struggled with profitability, with net profits of -27 million yuan, -41 million yuan, 17 million yuan, and -19 million yuan during the same periods [24]. Group 4: Issues with False Advertising - The company has faced multiple accusations of false advertising, including misleading claims about certifications and partnerships with international organizations [22][23][24]. - In 2022, the company was fined for false advertising after failing to provide evidence for claims made in its promotional materials [24]. - The reliance on questionable endorsements and the need to maintain a positive narrative in the capital market are highlighted as significant challenges for the company [25].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a case involving a 17-year-old girl who became a surrogate mother, giving birth to twins, and the subsequent investigation by local authorities into the legality and ethical implications of this situation [1][2][6]. Group 1: Incident Overview - A 17-year-old girl from Sichuan's Liangshan Prefecture was reported to have acted as a surrogate for a 50-year-old man from Jiangxi, resulting in the birth of twins [2][6]. - The local health department in Zhongshan confirmed the birth and stated that an investigation is underway [1][4]. Group 2: Involvement of Organizations - Two companies, Guangzhou Aiyingbao Medical Consulting Service Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Junlan Medical Equipment Co., Ltd., are implicated in this case, with the former being the advertising entity and the latter handling contracts [7][8]. - The Guangzhou Aiyingbao company has been under scrutiny, and reports indicate that it was raided and its office sealed by law enforcement [7][8]. Group 3: Financial Aspects - The cost for surrogacy services was reported to be around 730,000 yuan, with the final payment exceeding 900,000 yuan due to the birth of twins [5][6]. - The sales personnel from the implicated companies claimed that the price for egg donors varies based on educational qualifications, with bachelor's degrees priced around 100,000 yuan and master's degrees around 150,000 yuan [4][5]. Group 4: Legal and Ethical Concerns - The involvement of a minor in surrogacy raises significant legal and ethical questions, with calls for strict penalties against those exploiting underage individuals for such activities [6].