Two surrogates speak out about California couple under investigation

Two surrogates speak out about California couple under investigation

Two surrogates have come forward to share their experiences with California authorities investigating a Los Angeles-area couple, Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan, suspected of misusing surrogacy services. The couple is believed to be the legal parents of 21 children, ranging in age from 2 months to 13 years, who were removed from their custody after an abuse allegation [1].

The investigation began after a hospital reported that the couple's 2-month-old infant had suffered a traumatic head injury, potentially caused by a nanny at the home. The child was not taken to the hospital for another two days. The couple was arrested in May but later released on bail [2].

The surrogates, who have chosen to remain anonymous, allege that they were deceived by the couple. One surrogate, Kayla Elliott, said she was told the couple had only one other child and wanted one more to complete their family. However, she discovered that the couple had a large number of children through surrogacy [2].

The couple has been linked to a company called Mark Surrogacy Investment LLC, which was previously registered at their address. The business license was terminated in June [1].

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services has placed all 21 children in protective custody. The FBI is also involved in the investigation, but neither agency has commented on the case [2].

The incident has raised concerns about the regulation of surrogacy agencies and the potential for exploitation. Kallie Fell, director of The Center for Bioethics and Culture, has expressed concern that the couple's actions may constitute child trafficking [2].

The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed against the couple. However, the incident has highlighted the need for greater oversight and regulation of surrogacy services to protect both the children and the surrogate mothers.

References:
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/17/us/california-children-removed-abuse-surrogacy-hnk
[2] https://abc7chicago.com/post/surrogacy-scandal-21-children-surrogate-mothers-taken-arcadia-califronia-couple-amid-investigation/17148528/