Surrogate McKenna West battles California court over baby with heart defect

McKenna West, a single mother and nurse from Alaska, became a surrogate through Worldwide Surrogacy. During the pregnancy, a 20‑week ultrasound diagnosed the fetus with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a serious but treatable heart condition. The couple who hired her demanded an abortion; West refused and the couple sued her.

Now 35 weeks pregnant, West has filed for custody, seeking a court order that either grants her custody or compels the couple to allow the life‑saving surgeries the baby needs. She says her goal is to "get him surgery." The case is pending before a California court, which will decide the baby's fate and West's parental rights.