The California couple embroiled in a Texas surrogacy case with surrogate McKenna West says their newborn baby is in critical condition after undergoing heart surgery upon delivery.
Surrogate Mother McKenna West Flees California Couple Demanding Abortion Of Fetus With Diagnosed Heart Defect
As we previously shared a few weeks ago, West welcomed a baby boy after the child’s biological parents — identified in court documents as Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed of California — demanded an abortion for the child — whom they have named “Rumi,” despite West calling him “Gabriel.”
The birth parents decided to terminate upon learning the child would immediately be born with a heart defect. Doctors diagnosed the child in utero (at around 20 weeks) with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (“HLHS”), a serious congenital heart condition that leaves one side of the organ underdeveloped, preventing normal blood flow.
However, it is treatable, which is why the surrogate, who is a single mom from Alaska, fled to Texas. In the state, lawmakers have banned most abortions. West said she drove to Dallas County “for protection,” and to ensure that the baby, “could be near doctors experienced in treating his condition.”
Before giving birth on August 12, a Texas court ruled that the baby must receive lifesaving treatment upon delivery. The court also issued a restraining order pertaining to the child’s biological parents, making them responsible for the medical decisions within the requirements of the court order.
The court also blocked West from having any contact with the child upon delivery. However, the surrogate mother is still choosing to fight for custody, despite the child’s parents hitting her with a lawsuit for over $100,000 for violating the surrogacy contact they entered in August 2025.
RELATED: Investigation Underway After Pregnant 15-Year-Old In Oklahoma City Is Allegedly Used As Surrogate
California Couple Sue Surrogate Mother McKenna West After Refusing To Abort Baby With Diagnosed Heart Defect
Now, on Tuesday (August 25), the child’s birth parents told a court that his condition has worsened and he is critically ill.
According to ABC27, the parents also said they are severely upset and heartbroken over the situation as they attempted many times to abort and avoid this current reality. Court documents filed before the hearing said the child was “suffering from potential complications” from his complex open-heart surgery, known as the Norwood Procedure, after birth.
They said:
“In the last 24 hours, serious medical developments have arisen that impact the health and safety of the child. The child is in critical condition and being closely monitored at the hospital. The child is suffering from potential complications from the Norwood, and last night, the child’s condition declined significantly, requiring re-intubation.”
Gilkar then told the court the baby had no blood flow to the left side of his heart. After surgery, he has gasped for air, choked on tubes, and needed a blood transfusion. While on the stand, Gilkar admitted she did not regret the decision to abort.
At one point, she also wiped away her tears and said, “He’s our child. He’s the most beautiful person I’ve never seen. He’s the love of our lives. And he’s suffering a lot.” Gilkar also slammed West, calling her “unstable,” adding, “She’s trying to take him from us.”
West’s attorneys says she’s seeking sole conservatorship to make medical decisions for the child. West told the court she was 23 weeks pregnant when she made an appointment to abort at the couple’s request. However, she insisted she was not comfortable with the decision. She said, “I knew that this baby, despite the diagnosis, had a great chance at survival and a great chance at leading a long life.”
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!