Chinese state media say the government has broken up an infant trafficking ring, arresting 40 people and rescuing 44 babies.
The Beijing News says more than 100 people in six provinces had sold more than 70 new-born babies, including seven from Burma, over the past 10 years.
The case was broken by police in the southern province of Fujian after a year-long investigation. Police say the culprits were mostly village women, including midwives and hospital workers, who saw an opportunity to make money.
China has strict family planning laws that allow couples normally to have just one child, but traditional preferences for boys has led many families to abandon girls so they can have another chance at trying for a son.
Some information for this report provided by AFP, Reuters.