Texas Court Orders Life-Sustaining Care for Baby Born With Heart Defect

A Texas court ordered life-sustaining treatment for a baby born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome on Wednesday, following intervention by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

The surrogate mother, McKenna West, had fled California to Texas after the intended parents, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, allegedly wanted to end the pregnancy due to the fetus's diagnosis. West accused the couple of wanting an abortion after the 20-week diagnosis of the severe heart condition. A judge issued an order on Tuesday for the child to receive life-sustaining care.

The baby is receiving stabilizing care and is scheduled for surgery at a Texas hospital. Attorneys for West stated the child is receiving necessary medical care. Attorneys for the couple denied intending to refuse surgery and stated their focus is on the baby's medical needs and spending time with him, accusing West and Paxton of turning a family tragedy into political theater.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a condition where the left side of the heart prevents normal blood flow, leading to severe symptoms if untreated. West, who is also a nurse, had reportedly refused the contracting parents' demand for an abortion, a decision that could carry financial and legal consequences according to surrogacy contracts. The case has drawn attention from right-to-life groups and Republican officials.