08/19/2026
Thoughts??? A California couple asked their surrogate to terminate a pregnancy after the baby was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. She refused, gave birth in Texas, and now wants to keep the baby. The biological parents are countersuing her for over $100,000. 😳
Here’s the story 👇
McKenna West, a 28-year-old nurse from Alaska, agreed to carry a baby for Los Angeles couple Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed. At 20 weeks, the baby was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare and life-threatening congenital heart defect that requires multiple surgeries and leaves survivors facing lifelong medical care and serious health complications. The couple, citing a termination clause in their contract, asked McKenna to end the pregnancy. She refused.
McKenna gave birth in Texas, where the law states that if you give birth to a child, that child is legally yours. She is now fighting for parentage of the baby, whom she named Gabriel. He has already undergone a complex heart surgery and is recovering.
“Every life matters. No woman should be forced to end the life of the baby she is carrying — including me. Baby Gabriel should receive a chance at life.” McKenna West.
The biological parents paid McKenna $60,000 during the pregnancy and filed a countersuit weeks before the baby was born, seeking over $100,000 for breaching their agreement plus unspecified damages for what they call “malicious and outrageous conduct.” Since she refused to terminate, they have reportedly stopped paying her entirely.
This case now involves courts and officials in three states and has sparked a national debate on surrogacy and abortion rights.
Whose side are you on? 👇
Via TMZ / NY Post