# Texas surrogacy dispute escalates after baby born with heart defect

2026-08-14T11:26:15+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A surrogate in Texas gave birth on August 12 to a baby with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a life-threatening condition. The baby is now in the custody of intended parents Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, according to their attorney. Surrogate McKenna West, who travelled from Alaska to continue the pregnancy, is challenging the custody arrangement and argues she is the legal mother under Texas law. The dispute began when West refused to terminate the pregnancy after the diagnosis at 20 weeks, contrary to the intended parents' wishes. A Texas judge ordered life-sustaining care a day before birth. The case, which has drawn anti-abortion groups, remains unresolved ahead of a court hearing in Dallas later this month.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/a-multi-state-surrogacy-dispute-escalated-after-mckenna-west-gave-birth-in-texas-to-a-baby-with-a-severe-heart-defect-the-intended-parents-now-have-custody-while-the-legal-fight-continues/articleshow/133236619.cms>

Tags: McKenna West, Nausheen Gilkar, Texas
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