Surrogate McKenna West gave birth to a baby she named Gabriel despite the biological parents' wishes. Now, in a new update, it was revealed that the baby is in critical condition.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleSurrogacy and abortion rights have always been a huge issue when we talk about American politics. However, the topic has recently become even more of a heated argument among people after a young surrogate mother named McKenna West gave birth to a child whom she named Gabriel, going against the biological parents’ wishes.
For those unaware, the parents wanted McKenna to abort the pregnancy after the fetus was diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Now, in a new update, it was revealed that the baby is in critical condition.
Days after McKenna West gave birth to Gabriel, the newborn underwent a complex open-heart surgery called the Norwood Procedure. His biological parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Faruk, claimed that it was the first of three surgeries required to treat Gabriel’s hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a life-threatening condition. A statement released by the couple's attorney Lee Budner added:
"My clients immediately provided consent for the surgery to occur at the hospital's earliest availability. Rumi was taken into the operating room for surgery earlier this morning (August 17th). His condition remains critical and complex, and his family seeks privacy in caring for their son on his long road to recovery."
For those wondering, despite McKenna calling the baby Gabriel, the parents have named him Rumi. Now, it seems that the baby's condition has grown even more critical in the last 24 hours. In court documents obtained by TMZ, Nausheen and Omar said:
“Serious medical developments have arisen that impact the health and safety of the child. The child is in critical condition and being closely monitored at the hospital."
The biological parents further claimed that their child appears to be “suffering from potential complications from the Norwood, and last night, the child’s condition declined significantly, requiring re-intubation.”
Before baby Gabriel had his surgery, the California-based couple, Nausheen and Omar, filed for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against McKenna. This effectively stripped the surrogate mom of all decision-making authority with regard to the child’s care, even though she gave birth to him. McKenna cannot make any medical decisions regarding baby Gabriel's health or exercise any parental or guardianship rights.
She also cannot legally represent herself as his parent, guardian, or medical decision-maker, or sign any document on his behalf. Furthermore, McKenna will not be allowed to remove the baby from the hospital and has no right to interfere with the biological parents' "exclusive right of access" to baby Gabriel.
Amid the legal battle between the biological parents and McKenna West, the latter turned the public support she has been receiving into a fundraiser on GiveSendGo. As of August 19, 2026, it had already raised over USD 66,000.
According to her campaign page, McKenna, who is a 28-year-old nurse hailing from Alaska, asked for financial help so that she could cover her legal fees. She also wished to use the money for travel expenses and living costs. The fundraiser also revealed that McKenna was facing increasing financial difficulties since she gave birth to the baby, as she had to leave her work and relocate temporarily.
McKenna’s attorney, Lincoln Wilson, claimed that his client had taken on a really personal role not only throughout the pregnancy but also during the child’s birth. In the process, McKenna's financial burdens have increased, and the money would help her continue pursuing what she thinks would be best for the baby amid the ongoing legal battle.
We wish surrogate McKenna West’s baby a speedy recovery.
Also read: Serayah's Ex Joey Badass' Arrest Over Security Guard Assault In Focus As They End Engagement