A couple in California has been arrested for endangering children after authorities found them with 21 kids associated with their surrogacy business.
Guojun Xuan, 65, and Silvia Zhang, 38, had 15 of these children in their home in Arcadia. The oldest child is 13 years old, while six others were reportedly living in different residences. Notably, 17 of the 21 children are under three years old.
The police became involved after receiving complaints related to a two-month-old baby who suffered traumatic brain damage, allegedly due to abuse by a nanny linked to the couple’s household.
Arcadia Police Lt. Colin Siedoro mentioned, “The discipline both verbal and physical was severe enough to raise concerns about child abuse in that environment.”
Authorities believe all the children are Xuan and Zhang’s biological offspring, born via multiple surrogate mothers they hired through their own business.
Shedro stated, “Many of these children were born through surrogacy, with the couple serving as their legal guardians.”
One surrogate mother expressed her fears, stating that she felt misled, saying, “It’s frightening, frustrating, and emotionally taxing.” Kayla Elliott shared that she wanted custody of her baby, born for the couple.
Initially, Xuan and Zhang were not charged but later faced arrest. Meanwhile, police are still searching for their nannies.
While having numerous children through surrogacy isn’t outright illegal, a nonprofit bioethics director commented that it raises suspicions. “It feels like human trafficking, trafficking children,” said Director Curry Fell. “What is the purpose of having so many children at home through these reproductive technologies?”
