The biological parents have been granted physical custody of a baby boy born to a surrogate in Texas, who had refused their demands for an abortion after the fetus was diagnosed with a heart defect. Nausheen Gilkar, 43, and Omar Ahmed, 45, now have their newborn son, named "Baby Gabriel" by the surrogate McKenna West, under their care. The child is receiving medical attention for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.
West was 20 weeks pregnant when the diagnosis was made. The California-based couple then instructed West to undergo an abortion. She refused and relocated to Dallas, Texas, after finding a hospital with a high success rate for treating the defect. West's attorney, Lincoln Wilson, stated that the baby underwent life-saving surgery shortly after birth on Wednesday.
A lawyer for the couple, Lee Bunder of Calabrese Bunder, confirmed that Gilkar and Ahmed are focused on their son's health and are following the guidance of medical professionals regarding his treatment. Prior to the birth, West received court clearance to remain in Texas to secure life-saving care for the infant.
The surrogate gave birth on Wednesday morning. The case gained national attention as it unfolded in the weeks leading up to the delivery.