1.   Although it was the first successful surrogate birth reported in Japan, there may have been earlier cases that remain undisclosed, clinic spokesman Masaharu Nagahama said.

2.   Currently, health ministry officials are compiling a bill that would make surrogate births illegal and impose stiff fines on those who violate the ban.

3.   He said he has previously attempted four other surrogate births, all of which ended in failure, including a miscarriage.

4.   Netsu said he has previously attempted four other surrogate births, all of which ended in failure, including a miscarriage.

5.   That effectively bans surrogate births because an egg removed for fertilization cannot be implanted in another woman.

6.   The health ministry opposes surrogate births and officials are compiling a bill that would make the practice illegal and impose stiff penalties on those who violate the ban.

7.   To avoid possible legal and financial disputes, surrogate births at his clinic are restricted to siblings on a nonprofit basis, Netsu said.