Surrogate, California couple clash in court as newborn fights for life after heart surgery

A newborn in critical condition, who underwent open-heart surgery for a severe heart defect, has been re-intubated due to his declining health. The intended parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, are in a legal dispute with surrogate McKenna West over medical decision-making for the child they call Rumi, whom West calls Gabriel. West, who refused the couple’s earlier request to terminate the pregnancy, is seeking sole conservatorship.

• A newborn, diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), is in critical condition after open-heart surgery and has been placed back on a breathing tube.
• The intended parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, are in a custody battle with surrogate McKenna West over who should make medical decisions for their son.
• West refused the couple’s request to terminate the pregnancy earlier in the pregnancy and is now seeking sole conservatorship of the child.
• The intended parents accuse West of trying to take their child, while West states she would drop her request if the court ensures the baby receives life-saving care.
• The couple has also filed counterclaims against West for alleged breach of their surrogacy agreement and emotional distress.