A surrogate mother from Florida, Perla, expressed feelings of neglect after carrying a baby for a California couple now facing legal charges. “The thing that really hits me is the sense that the baby was abandoned, and I was too,” she shared in an interview.
The couple, Sylvia Chang, 38, and Guojun Shuan, 65, who reside in Arcadia, California, reportedly sought a sibling for their only child due to fertility issues. However, Perla later learned that she was among several women who were told similar stories.
So far, six women have come forward.
Perla experienced early labor and spent a month hospitalized before giving birth to a stillborn baby on June 3rd. She claims that Zhang and Xuan delayed important paperwork during a medical crisis, did not respond to her complications, and did not visit the hospital or assume responsibility for the baby’s remains.
In May, the couple was arrested for child endangerment after one of their children was found in the hospital with head injuries. Authorities stated that surveillance footage showed a nanny abusing the child, with the parents failing to seek immediate medical attention.
The couple’s 21 children, born through surrogacy, were taken into custody by the Department of Child and Family Services. Reports indicated that these children range from 2 months to 13 years old, and Zhang has verified her legal status as a mother on all birth certificates.
Investigators uncovered further evidence suggesting that other children in the couple’s extensive home had experienced physical and emotional abuse by their nannies. Neighbors described the house as hotel-like, noting high visitor traffic and a front desk setup.
Zhang and Xuan are currently out on bail while facing felony charges related to child endangerment and negligence.
Perla commented on the situation, expressing concern for the affected children: “It’s heartbreaking and terrible for these kids. I knew something was off with my own experience, but I couldn’t fully grasp it at the time.”
Perla, along with another surrogate named Kayla from Texas, had undergone embryo transfer at the Fertility Institute recently. They were informed that the embryo had been created using the father’s sperm and donor eggs.
When KTLA reached out for comments, multiple receptionists at the clinic indicated that administrators were instructed to refrain from discussing the matter.
In a message from a number associated with Zhang, it was stated: “The allegations are unfounded and incorrect. We are eager to address any claims made at the appropriate time.”
A Virginia woman, currently pregnant for the same couple, expressed her worries about her pregnancy, which is due on October 1st, but chose to remain anonymous.
