January 1, Surrogate Mother Flees California to Save Baby’s Life

Wyatt’s Take

• McKenna West refused to end a baby’s life over a heart defect and fled California to protect the child.
• Texas courts and Attorney General Ken Paxton stood up for the baby’s right to medical care.
• The Supreme Court let a lower ruling stand that allows the child to be moved to California against the surrogate’s wishes.

McKenna West gave birth to a boy in Texas in August after she refused demands from the intended parents to abort the child because of a heart defect.

West named the baby Gabriel and fled California to protect him when the parents pressed for termination.

Justice Elena Kagan declined to intervene in the custody fight on Tuesday without issuing a written decision.

The intended parents, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, signed a surrogacy agreement with West in August 2025 that included a clause allowing abortion in cases of fetal abnormality.

The child was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and underwent surgery in Texas.

West argued she should keep custody despite the agreement, but a Texas judge ruled against her.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton signed an order requiring the baby to receive lifesaving care in the state.

The Texas Supreme Court later ruled the child could be moved to California, where the intended parents have arranged further medical treatment.

The baby is now facing potential complications from the heart surgery.

Wyatt Matters

Middle America still believes every child deserves a fighting chance and that mothers who stand up for life should not be punished for it.