An investigation by Singapore news outlet CNA has revealed that the illegal sale of newborn babies is widespread among women in the Philippines’ poorest communities. For many mothers living in poverty in the island nation, selling a baby is a painful but necessary reality to prevent the financial burden an unwanted pregnancy could bring—especially for those that already have several children.When a woman chooses to sell, a baby broker connects her to various buyers—generally other Filipinos—who pay between $100 and $500 for the child, communicating through text and meeting in remote locations to avoid detection.Children are usually sold when they are only a few days old; buyers prefer them young, and mothers prefer to part with their child before a strong emotional bond is formed.