Spain investigates possible surrogacy network in Brazilian births

Investigation began after alert from health professionals at the University Hospital of Burgos. Some of the pregnant women had gone to the health unit for their last prenatal consultation or directly to give birth, and some appeared accompanied by the same man, presented as the babies' father.

One of the lines of investigation is the existence of a surrogacy pregnancy scheme. The police are evaluating whether repeated patterns such as the same alleged father and similar addresses could indicate a network linked to surrogacy, with the possibility of new cases emerging.

Authorities analyze signs of organization behind the calls. The investigation, conducted by the Foreigners Unit, has not yet identified a specific crime linked to the case. Another hypothesis is that women would have traveled to the country because of the lower birth costs.

Birth costs in Belgium are high, according to police. The investigation considers that women without health coverage in the country may face high expenses to give birth, which would have motivated them to seek care in Spain.

Address records also caught the attention of investigators. According to the el Diario report, the women presented themselves as residents of properties in two municipalities in the Las Merindades region, Medina de Pomar and Villarcayo, although they came from Belgium.

Investigation tries to understand what led the women to the same hospital. Between 15 and 18 women gave birth in June and July, in addition to others treated in May, reaching a total of approximately 30 cases in the same health unit.

Investigators say the case requires caution to check real links and addresses. The police are trying to locate the women and confirm their affiliations and domiciles, as the data presented in the records do not match the origin indicated, linked to Belgium.

Hospital formally reported the case to the authorities. The Burgos University Hospital informed the National Police about the pattern observed in care, which began the investigation.

The health unit states that it serves any patient, regardless of nationality or origin. "We are obliged to provide care. And not just the birth, we attend to what arrives. And in these cases they usually come for the last appointment and then the rest of the care is scheduled," official sources at the establishment told el Diario.