California couple and their surrogate testify in Texas court as dispute over newborn escalates
DALLAS (AP) — A California couple in an escalating fight with their surrogate over a newborn with a life-threatening heart defect told a Texas court Tuesday that the child’s condition has worsened and they are anguished by attempts to deny them…
Nausheen Gilkar and her husband Omar Ahmed appeared in a Texas court on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in an ongoing dispute with their surrogate McKenna West over a newborn with a life-threatening heart defect. The California couple testified that the child's condition has worsened and they are distressed by West's efforts to deny them parental rights due to their previous desire for an abortion.
Nausheen Gilkar sobbed on the witness stand, emphasizing the child's importance to their family, while accusing West of trying to steal their newborn. The hearing revealed a growing controversy over surrogacy and abortion, drawing right-to-life groups and GOP officials to support West, a nurse who traveled from Alaska to give birth in Texas, where most abortions are prohibited.
Nausheen and Omar named the infant Rumi, while West insisted she named him Gabriel. West's attorney seeks sole conservatorship to make medical decisions for the child. It was uncertain when the judge would rule on the case, as the restraining order barring West from seeing or holding the child remained in place.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- California couple and their surrogate testify in Texas court as dispute over newborn escalates winnipegfreepress.com
- Attorney weighs in on Texas surrogacy dispute cbsnews.com
