The Creches, or Genetic Enhancement Centers, of the Middling Age were indeed different than they are today. Children were produced not only by order of a perspective parent or for the need of a Nation, but mainly for the whims of the Creche Mage.

Batches of children were produced because a Mage found a new trait it wanted to amplify or an abnormality it wanted to observe. It was then common practice to dispose of any "hatchlings" who didn't live up to the expectations of the Mages. The lucky few who weren't killed immediately were sold to Barrens traders.

Few Nations condemned the behavior because almost all had state supported Creches that were all doing the same thing. Eurydice, the only Nation to ever truly protest the situation, was largely ignored because the objections were based on Theocratic Doctrine rather than inhumane conditions.