Surrogate, California couple clash in court as newborn fights for life after heart surgery
Nausheen Gilkar told a Dallas court her newborn is suffering after open-heart surgery as the surrogate custody fight with McKenna West intensifies.
TL;DR
- A newborn, diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), is in critical condition after open-heart surgery and has been placed back on a breathing tube.
- The intended parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, are in a custody battle with surrogate McKenna West over who should make medical decisions for their son.
- West refused the couple's request to terminate the pregnancy earlier in the pregnancy and is now seeking sole conservatorship of the child.
- The intended parents accuse West of trying to take their child, while West states she would drop her request if the court ensures the baby receives life-saving care.
- The couple has also filed counterclaims against West for alleged breach of their surrogacy agreement and emotional distress.