Family & Society

Investigating a California Surrogacy Scheme: When Wealth and Deception Put Children at Risk

By National Correspondent | July 19, 2025

A Southern California couple’s surrogacy arrangement is under federal and local investigation after their infant suffered traumatic injury and authorities removed 21 children from their custody, exposing a troubling web of deception and exploitation that threatens American families’ trust in reproductive contracts.

In the heart of Southern California, a disturbing saga has unfolded that raises urgent questions about surrogacy regulations, parental accountability, and the safeguarding of children’s welfare. Silvia Zhang and Guojun Xuan—who positioned themselves as a wealthy, family-building couple—now face scrutiny after their infant was admitted to the hospital with severe head trauma. Since then, authorities have taken custody of 21 children linked to the couple’s sprawling surrogate network.

How Did This Surrogacy Arrangement Erode Trust and Safety?

Esperanza, one of several women approached by Zhang to serve as a surrogate, recounts how initial appeals gave way to alarm. After being offered $60,000, she hesitated when asked if she could recruit friends for surrogacy too—an almost factory-like approach to building a “large family” raised red flags. Her decision to withdraw from the contract came after inconsistent information and an abrupt lawyer hang-up during contract discussions.

This case exposes a glaring vulnerability in surrogacy oversight: how can hardworking Americans trust this deeply personal process when agencies or individuals operate in shadows? The couple’s use of Mark Surrogacy Investments LLC—a company registered at their home but seemingly lacking transparency—adds layers of concern about legitimacy and consumer protection.

What Does This Mean for American Families and National Sovereignty?

The investigation extends beyond mere contractual disputes; it challenges national interests in protecting family integrity and child welfare from exploitation masked as reproductive freedom. When surrogate mothers like Kayla Elliott find themselves fighting for custody after delivering babies under questionable circumstances, it signals systemic failures.

Zhang’s claim they wanted “a big family” dangerously obscures an apparent disregard for the individual care these children require. The FBI’s involvement hints at potential fraud or worse. How long will Washington allow such loopholes to persist without firmer protections for American families?

This is not just about one couple—it echoes broader risks presented when globalist or opportunistic actors bypass traditional family structures under veneer of progressive alternatives. Upholding national sovereignty means safeguarding our citizens against predatory practices cloaked in kindness but driven by profit motives.

The America First movement calls for stricter enforcement on surrogacy arrangements:

  • Transparent vetting processes ensuring surrogate mothers receive full disclosure.
  • Accountability measures holding intended parents responsible for children’s safety.
  • A crackdown on shadowy agencies exploiting vulnerable women under false pretenses.

This tragedy serves as both a warning and a call to action: families deserve better safeguards than what this failed scheme delivered.