A baby boy whose life became the center of an extraordinary battle over abortion, surrogacy and parental rights has officially entered the world.
Surrogate mother McKenna West gave birth Wednesday in Texas to the child she had refused to abort after he was diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect.
According to The Guardian, West, an Alaska resident, was carrying the biological child of California couple Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed when doctors discovered the baby had hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS, a serious condition in which the left side of the heart does not develop properly.
West says she felt pressured to terminate the pregnancy after the diagnosis. She ultimately refused, eventually traveling to Texas as the legal battle surrounding the child intensified.
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Live Action, which has followed West’s case closely, reported that the baby, whom West and supporters have called Gabriel, was born and is now “on the path” toward receiving the medical care he desperately needs. The pro-life organization has strongly supported West throughout the ordeal.
The case even drew the intervention of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“Baby Gabriel deserves a chance at life,” Paxton said in announcing his intervention, adding that he would not allow the child to be unlawfully denied necessary care. “My office will use every tool available to protect innocent lives and ensure that every child receives the care required under Texas law.”
This story should also serve as a powerful reminder that no diagnosis determines the value of a human life.
Gabriel’s journey is far from over. Now is the time for believers to pray for this precious child, for wisdom for his doctors and for God’s hand to be upon every decision concerning his future.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
