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McKenna West enters custody battle after surrogacy dispute
A legal battle has escalated into a custody dispute following the birth of a baby boy in Texas. The case involves McKenna West, an Alaskan surrogate, and biological parents Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed from California.
The conflict began after medical examinations revealed the fetus had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a serious congenital heart condition. The biological parents requested that West terminate the pregnancy, a demand permitted under their surrogacy contract. West refused, citing her belief that the child deserved a chance to live, and traveled to Texas to give birth.
Following the birth on August 12, the child—referred to by West as Gabriel and by the parents as Rumi—was placed in the physical custody of the biological parents for medical treatment. While a California ruling currently favors the biological parents, West’s attorney, Lincoln Davis Wilson, stated she intends to fight for custody in the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that Texas law recognizes the birth mother as the parent.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an order ensuring the infant receives necessary medical care within the state. The biological parents' legal team has characterized West’s actions as an attempt to interfere with the child's medical care.
Entities
Ken Paxton · Lee Budner · Lincoln Davis Wilson · McKenna West · Nausheen Gilkar · Omar Ahmed · Texas Attorney General's Office
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The baby was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). themorninghustle.com · kissrichmond.com · kysdc.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] McKenna West is not allowed any contact with the child following his birth. themorninghustle.com · kissrichmond.com · kysdc.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] McKenna West intends to fight for custody of the child. themorninghustle.com · kissrichmond.com · kysdc.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The baby is in the physical custody of biological parents Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed. themorninghustle.com · kissrichmond.com · kysdc.com