Surrogate-born infant critical after complex heart surgery amid custody lawsuit

Biological parents Nasheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed reported that their son Rumi, born through surrogate McKenna West after she declined to terminate the pregnancy, is in critical condition after undergoing the Norwood Procedure, a complex open-heart surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Court documents state the child's condition has deteriorated significantly since the operation. The parents, who had a contract paying West $60,000 and an abortion clause, are now suing her for more than $100,000 for refusing to abort.

West, a 28-year-old nurse from Alaska who gave birth in Texas, remains at the center of a multi-state legal battle over custody. The lawsuit highlights tensions between surrogacy agreements and parental rights. The family emphasizes ongoing monitoring at the hospital.