Parents Battle for Custody of Surrogate-Born Babies After Losing 21 Kids
Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang, a couple residing in Arcadia, California, are embroiled in a legal battle for custody of their surrogate-born children. This situation escalated dramatically in July 2025 when authorities raided their mansion, taking custody of 21 children, most of whom were born through surrogacy.
Alarming Circumstances Surrounding the Custody Case
The raid was triggered by an incident involving their two-month-old son, who was hospitalized with severe injuries suspected to be the result of abuse. Police Captain Kollin Cieadlo noted that the child’s injuries were inconsistent with a mere accident. The couple is currently facing a state child abuse investigation and federal scrutiny.
Repeat Surrogacy and Legal Disputes
Over the past six months, Xuan and Zhang have reportedly had five additional surrogate-born babies across Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. These children were also taken into state custody, intensifying the couple’s ongoing legal struggles. Xuan and Zhang have filed lawsuits against two surrogates, Melissa Epps and Stacy King, alleging breach of contract and demanding exorbitant sums far exceeding their original agreements.
- The lawsuits include requests for $1 million from each surrogate.
- Both surrogates claim they were misled regarding the couple’s intentions and number of children desired.
- Questions continue to arise about the couple’s motivations behind having such a large number of children.
Surrogates’ Accounts and Concerns
Surrogates reported that they were initially recruited under false pretenses, believing they were working with a couple that wanted only one additional child. Epps’ attorney asserted that her client had no idea that the couple intended to raise a multitude of children.
In Pennsylvania, two more surrogates delivered babies last fall, all of whom are now in state custody. A surrogate in Georgia, Hallie Weaver, is also seeking custody after giving birth to a baby boy last summer, who was taken into state custody.
Allegations of Abuse and Neglect
Reports from neighbors raise alarm regarding the couple’s child-rearing practices. Allegations of physical and emotional abuse have surfaced, with police noting their history of complaints received at their residence. This included reports of children being disciplined inappropriately, leading authorities to intervene.
- Neighbors described witnessing children being treated harshly and hearing distressing screams from the home.
- Police records indicate multiple calls concerning potential child abuse and suspicious activity at the couple’s residence.
Surveillance footage from the home depicted troubling scenes, including allegations of children being spanked and subjected to authoritarian discipline methods. Officials believe the couple was aware of the abuse occurring within their household.
Federal Investigation into the Surrogacy Setup
The FBI has been monitoring Xuan and Zhang’s surrogacy arrangements, given concerns about potential human trafficking. Legislative concerns about international surrogacy practices have emerged, particularly due to the couple’s connection with Chinese nationals as surrogates.
While the legal battles continue, the couple maintains that they have done nothing wrong and are hopeful about regaining custody of their children.
Next Steps in the Custody Case
As the investigation proceeds, numerous questions remain regarding the welfare of the children and the future of Xuan and Zhang. The situation is ongoing, with more developments likely as legal proceedings take shape.
