Surrogate mother pursues custody after newborn undergoes heart surgery

McKenna West, a surrogate mother from Alaska, is pursuing legal action after her newborn, who underwent lifesaving heart surgery, was separated from her shortly after birth on August 12. West refused an abortion request from the intended parents, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, after the baby was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at 20 weeks. West stated that she was only able to see the baby for 60 seconds before he was taken away. The intended parents' attorney disputes West's account, claiming they consented to the child's surgery as soon as he was eligible. The baby, referred to as Rumi by Ahmed and Gilkar, underwent surgery on August 17 and is currently recovering. West, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, asserts that her goal is to advocate for the baby's ongoing medical needs. The case has drawn attention, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton previously intervening to ensure the newborn received necessary medical care.