The biological parents of a baby born to a Texas surrogate who refused to have an abortion have taken custody of the infant, according to their lawyer. Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed of California are now caring for the child, Gabriel, who was named by surrogate McKenna West, their attorney Lee Budner told TMZ.
The couple had requested an abortion after their unborn child was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe but treatable heart condition, at 20 weeks gestation. Budner stated that Gilkar and Ahmed have been "devastated" by the public attention their family's medical situation has attracted.
"As if the heartbreak of his condition were not enough, they are devastated to see their family tragedy transformed into political theater by the Texas Attorney General’s office and McKenna West," Budner said. He emphasized that the parents' primary concerns are maximizing their time with their newborn and ensuring he receives necessary medical care.
The legal dispute began in April following the prenatal diagnosis. The surrogacy contract between West and the biological parents included a clause permitting termination in the event of a pregnancy "anomaly." However, after the couple asked West to proceed with an abortion, she declined and traveled to Texas. Under Texas law, the birth mother is recognized as the legal mother.