Federal authorities are looking into a troubling case in California involving a baby-selling operation linked to China. This investigation centers around claims that women were tricked into giving birth for fake surrogates.
The California Department of Child and Family Services recently took action, reportedly removing over 20 babies from the home of a couple associated with Marks Surrogacy, which has now rebranded as Future Spring Surrogacy. This agency is said to connect prospective parents with surrogate mothers, but allegations suggest that the intended parents may have been employees of the agency who only spoke Mandarin.
Kayla Elliot, a surrogate mother, shared her experience with The Daily Wire. She was contacted through Facebook by Marks Surrogacy in January 2024. After agreeing to work with them, she signed a contract, became pregnant, and later gave birth to a baby she believed would go to the intended parents. However, she later learned that many other women across the country were also carrying babies for the same couple.
Elliot discovered that the California child services agency had found 21 babies in the couple’s home, raising serious concerns about the welfare of these children. The FBI has since reached out to Elliot, asking questions about the agency and its connections to China.
A federal official described the situation as bizarre, highlighting the potential risks to national security. The official pointed out that while these babies are born in the U.S. and have citizenship, proving their true parentage could be challenging.
Kallie Fell, the Executive Director of the Center for Bioethics and Culture, expressed her alarm over the situation. She emphasized that this case reflects a broader issue within the surrogacy industry, where women can be treated as mere vessels for childbirth and children seen as commodities. She called for accountability in the fertility industry and suggested that international surrogacy arrangements need stricter regulations.
Elliot’s journey began when she responded to a Facebook message from Marks Surrogacy. After signing with them, she became pregnant and celebrated her successful embryo transfer. However, as she connected with other surrogates online, she realized that they were all carrying babies for the same couple, leading her to suspect something was seriously wrong.
Now, with the investigation underway, Elliot and other women involved are hopeful for answers. They have shared their stories online, raising awareness about the agency’s practices and urging others to be cautious. Elliot is also seeking funds through a GoFundMe campaign to hire a lawyer to pursue custody of her baby.
This situation sheds light on the darker side of the surrogacy industry, where exploitation and deception can occur, leaving many women and children vulnerable. As the investigation continues, many are watching closely to see what will happen next.