A baby boy born to a surrogate who refused to abort him despite his biological parents' wishes has undergone major heart surgery as part of his recovery. The infant, named Rumi by his biological parents, was born on August 12.
McKenna West, the surrogate, underwent surgery on Monday morning in Texas. The child remains in critical condition following the procedure, according to reports.
West, 28, gave birth to the child after a legal and ethical dispute with the biological parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed. They had requested an abortion after a 20-week scan revealed the fetus had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.
West refused the abortion and sought to give birth in a Texas hospital that had a reported 100 percent success rate with the necessary surgeries for the condition. Gilkar and Ahmed's attorney confirmed that Rumi underwent the Norwood procedure, a complex surgery for infants with the syndrome.
"Rumi is now recuperating under the loving care of his parents and his heroic team of doctors, nurses and medical staff," attorney Lee Budner told TMZ. "His condition remains critical and complex, and his family seeks privacy in caring for their son on his long road to recovery."
Rumi's surgery was the first of three required within the first few years of life for children diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The biological parents, Gilkar, 43, and Ahmed, 45, took physical custody of their son after his birth.
The controversy surrounding the birth attracted national attention, with the Texas Attorney General's office involved. A judge had previously granted West clearance for the baby to receive life-saving care in Texas but forbade her from contacting the child after birth.
West had signed a surrogacy contract that included a clause requiring abortion in the event of an "anomaly." She reportedly expressed concerns about the clause and sought alternatives, including offering to help financially assist the biological parents with the child's care to prevent an abortion.
During the legal dispute, the biological parents filed a $250,000 lawsuit demanding the return of payments made to West and any additional charges. They also reportedly requested she give birth in California, but it was unclear if they would consent to the life-saving surgery or opt for comfort care.
West, through her attorneys, had agreed to go to California if the parents committed to the surgery. However, she also filed a lawsuit in Alaska seeking sole custody to allow doctors in Texas to treat the child. Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal firm representing West, stated it was an "honor and privilege to represent McKenna in her courageous stand for Baby Gabriel’s life."