A custody battle is underway after surrogate mother McKenna West refused to abort a baby diagnosed with a serious heart condition, despite a contractual provision cited by the child’s biological parents.
California couple Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed conceived through in vitro fertilization and hired West, an Alaska resident, to carry their child. Around 20 weeks, doctors diagnosed the baby with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The biological parents requested an abortion, but West refused and sought assistance from the pro-life organization Live Action.
West later traveled to Texas, where Attorney General Ken Paxton ordered hospitals to provide lifesaving care. She gave birth August 12. The baby, whom West calls Gabriel and his biological parents call Rumi, underwent open-heart surgery and remains in critical condition.
Both sides are now disputing custody in Texas. A judge extended a temporary restraining order but has not ruled on parental rights. Gilkar and Ahmed are also reportedly suing West for $100,000 for breach of contract.
