A custody decision for a baby born with a rare heart defect has been postponed by a Dallas judge. The temporary restraining order in the case has been extended for two weeks as the legal dispute continues. The case has drawn attention to surrogacy and abortion issues.
McKenna West, the surrogate mother who traveled from Alaska to Texas to give birth, became the focus of anti-abortion groups and Republican officials. She relocated intentionally to Texas to prevent an abortion, given the state’s near-total ban.
Parents Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed emphasize their affection for the baby, disputing claims otherwise. The baby boy was delivered by West two weeks prior. Diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome during the pregnancy, the condition is a serious congenital defect characterized by an underdeveloped left side of the heart, per the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office.
The office intervened to ensure medical care for the newborn. A court order names Ahmed and Gilkar as the responsible parties for medical decisions, not West. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome often requires three surgeries. The first surgery was completed, and subsequent surgeries are planned over the child’s early years, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Emotional testimony from Gilkar marked Tuesday’s hearing. She described surrogacy as their sole option after matching with West through an agency a year ago. Gilkar claimed West withheld medical records and labeled her unstable. West admitted to withholding records.
Gilkar described the baby as exceedingly beloved, despite suffering greatly. She confirmed the couple’s initial request to terminate the pregnancy back in May. West expressed willingness to relinquish custody claims if assured of the baby’s required care.
As the baby remains in critical care, Gilkar detailed his struggle with inadequate blood flow, respiratory issues, and a required blood transfusion following surgery.
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