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From Our Own Correspondent: Spain and America

Spain and America

31/03/2011

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, Spain and America

Baby-trafficking in Spain, and the American obsession with college sports

John Murphy presents reports from around the world. Sarah Rainsford examines a tale of baby-trafficking in Spain, while Robert Hodierne in the US examines the nation's obsession with college sports.

John Murphy presents insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents around the world.

Scandal in Spain
Sarah Rainsford describes her experience in Spain, probing a long-buried scandal. Prosecutors there have launched a nationwide investigation into allegations that newborn babies were stolen and given away - or even sold - to infertile couples. 

Some people allege the practice began in the 1930s, during the rule of General Franco, with children being taken away from the families of left-wing Republican prisoners and given to couples loyal to the dictator. 

And there are now claims that the practice later became an illicit trade that continued until the 1990s.

America: The old college try
Also, Robert Hodierne asks how big bucks push academic achievement aside during the March Madness that is this month's American college basketball competition. 

It's often said they like to do things bigger, better, and with more money in the United States. And its  world of college sports is no exception. Of course, students are supposed to go to university to study; but academic prowess isn't always necessary - just being good at putting a ball through a hoop can get you far. Success in student sport has long been a well trodden path into further education in America and, if you're lucky enough, on to a lucrative professional career. 

As March draws to a close, there's a definite whiff of dollars around university basketball courts.

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