Surrogate says baby 'ripped away' 60 seconds after birth as custody fight erupts after abortion refusal
McKenna West says she was separated from the baby 60 seconds after birth and is now fighting for custody after the newborn's open-heart surgery procedure.
TL;DR
- Surrogate mother McKenna West refused an abortion request for a baby diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).
- West claims she was separated from the newborn, named Rumi by the intended parents, 60 seconds after birth.
- The baby underwent lifesaving heart surgery (Norwood procedure) on August 17th.
- The intended parents, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, consented to the surgery when doctors determined the baby was eligible.
- West is fighting for custody, stating her goal is to advocate for the child's ongoing medical treatment.
- The intended parents' attorney, Lee Budner, states West continues to assert baseless claims for custody in violation of court orders.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened to ensure the child received medically necessary care.