A baby with a severe heart condition became the focal point of a legal dispute across multiple states. The case involved a surrogate who claimed she would not terminate the pregnancy. According to the attorney for the child’s biological parents, the baby underwent surgery on Monday.
McKenna West gave birth to the baby, named Rumi, on Wednesday in Texas. Rumi has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect identified during the pregnancy. This condition involves the underdevelopment of the heart.
West accused the biological parents of pressuring her to have an abortion. Conversely, a court filing in Alaska stated that West had agreed to terminate the pregnancy if a fetal abnormality was detected.
Before the birth, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened. He requested that a Texas court mandate surgery for the child, expressing concern that the biological parents might not provide necessary care. The parents have denied these allegations.
Their attorney accused Paxton of politicizing the situation, asserting that the parents prioritized their child’s health. On Monday, Rumi underwent the Norwood procedure, a complicated surgery for children with his condition, confirmed attorney Lee Budner.
“Rumi is recuperating with his parents and a dedicated medical team,” Budner stated.
The Norwood procedure is the first of three surgeries needed in early childhood for those with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Rumi’s family highlighted their desire for privacy during his recovery process.
The parents, Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, denied any intent to deny medical care. They planned for Rumi’s treatment in California. They also respected West’s choice against abortion.
HLHS requires ongoing care, with many affected infants facing severe challenges or death. According to the CDC, approximately 925 children are born with this condition annually in the U.S.
Despite these developments, West is pursuing custody claims. Budner described these efforts as “baseless” and contrary to court rulings in Alaska and California.
“We are focused on Rumi’s health and defeating these claims,” Budner concluded.