A surrogate mother is engaged in a legal dispute with the intended parents after refusing their request to terminate a pregnancy due to a fetal heart defect, later claiming the infant was taken from her moments after birth. McKenna West, a 28-year-old nurse, is suing the California couple Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, who she alleges demanded she abort their child after a 20-week ultrasound revealed the fetus had hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
West, who had signed a contract with a clause requiring abortion in case of an anomaly, refused the termination request. Citing her background as a cardiac nurse, she stated in an op-ed for the New York Post that she believed the infant had a strong chance at a full life with necessary medical intervention. According to West, the couple insisted on termination, and she claims they subsequently stopped covering her medical expenses.
West reportedly financed the remainder of the pregnancy herself and found a hospital in Texas equipped to treat the infant's condition. She gave birth on August 12, and subsequently claimed she was only able to see the baby for about 60 seconds before he was taken away as soon as the umbilical cord was cut. West stated she has not been allowed to hold the child she carried.
Gilkar and Ahmed have countersued West, seeking over $100,000 in damages for alleged breach of contract, describing her actions as "malicious, outrageous conduct." They deny threatening West to force an abortion and claim to have suffered emotional distress. The couple, who reportedly named the child Rumi, state they are working with medical professionals to ensure the infant receives care. They also assert that West was aware of potential complications during surrogacy.
West has asserted that she is not seeking to claim the baby but rather to advocate for the child to receive ongoing medical treatment. She drew a parallel to the biblical story of King Solomon, emphasizing her commitment to the infant's life-saving care.
In a legal victory for West on August 11, a Dallas family district court issued a temporary restraining order preventing anyone from obstructing the infant's necessary treatment. This order was supported by a brief from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, arguing that state law mandates medically necessary treatment. An associate judge also appointed a legal guardian to ensure the child receives all required care.
However, the court order also prohibits West from having any contact with the baby after birth. The infant is currently in the custody of Gilkar and Ahmed. West's attorney stated that she plans to initiate her own legal battle to become the child's legal parent.