Biological Parents Sue Surrogate for $100,000 After She Refused Abortion

AUSTIN, TX — The biological parents of an infant born with a rare and life-threatening heart defect are seeking more than $100,000 in damages from the surrogate mother who refused their request to abort the child.

McKenna West, a 28-year-old Alaska nurse, gave birth in Texas on Aug. 12 after the child was diagnosed at approximately 20 weeks with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. West traveled to Texas, where she has argued that state law recognizes the woman who gives birth as the child’s mother. She has continued a legal fight over custody.

The biological parents, Nasheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, had agreed to pay West $60,000 under a surrogacy contract that reportedly included provisions allowing for an abortion in certain circumstances. In a countersuit filed weeks before the birth, they accused West of violating the agreement and sought more than $100,000, along with additional unspecified damages.

The infant, whom West calls Gabriel and the biological parents call Rumi, recently underwent the Norwood procedure, the first of a series of surgeries commonly used to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome. His biological parents said he remains in critical condition and requested privacy as he recovers.

West has said no woman should be forced to end the life of a child she is carrying and maintains her claim to custody.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the National Orthodox Baby Shower set a new donation record in sixth annual campaign.