Surrogate dispute in Texas court
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A California couple told a Texas court their surrogate's newborn's condition worsened. The dispute over parental rights pits them against surrogate McKenna West.
Background
The couple, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, contracted with McKenna West, a nurse from Alaska, to carry their child. After a prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, they wanted to terminate the pregnancy, but West refused and later gave birth in Texas, where abortion is largely banned. The baby, born Aug. 12, has a life-threatening heart defect and is in critical condition after surgery.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2025The couple contracted with McKenna West via a surrogacy agency.
- recentlyA second-trimester test revealed the baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome; the couple decided to terminate, but West disagreed.
- Aug 12, 2026West gave birth to the baby in Texas, where most abortions are banned.
- Aug 20, 2026CNN published an explainer on the legal battle, noting the couple's claims and West's allegations.
- Aug 25, 2026A Dallas court hearing took place; the couple testified the baby's condition worsened, and West sought sole conservatorship.
- Aug 26, 2026The judge did not rule on final custody; the couple's restraining order on West remains in effect.
Who’s saying what
- Intended Parents
- Gilkar and Ahmed say they are anguished by attempts to deny them parental rights and that West is 'unstable' and trying to take their child.
- Surrogate
- West says she was pressured to have an abortion against her wishes and is seeking sole conservatorship to make medical decisions for the baby.
- Support
- Right-to-life groups and GOP officeholders, including Texas AG Ken Paxton, have sided with West.
Still unverified
The couple's claim that West agreed to the abortion is disputed; West alleges she was pressured. The baby's exact medical condition and prognosis are not fully verified.