Surrogate says baby 'ripped away' 60 seconds after birth as custody fight erupts after abortion refusal

Surrogate mother McKenna West is continuing her legal fight for a baby boy who underwent life-saving heart surgery, claiming he was taken from her 60 seconds after birth. West refused an abortion request after the baby was diagnosed with a serious heart defect, and now faces a custody battle with the intended parents. The intended parents’ attorney disputes parts of West’s account, stating they consented to the surgery as soon as medically possible.

• Surrogate mother McKenna West refused an abortion request for a baby diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).
• West claims she was separated from the newborn, named Rumi by the intended parents, 60 seconds after birth.
• The baby underwent lifesaving heart surgery (Norwood procedure) on August 17th.
• The intended parents, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, consented to the surgery when doctors determined the baby was eligible.
• West is fighting for custody, stating her goal is to advocate for the child’s ongoing medical treatment.
• The intended parents’ attorney, Lee Budner, states West continues to assert baseless claims for custody in violation of court orders.
• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened to ensure the child received medically necessary care.