The infant at the center of a widely reported multi-state surrogacy dispute has received open heart surgery, according to legal representatives for his intended parents.
Lee Budner, who represents California residents Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, confirmed in an email on Monday that the baby underwent the procedure earlier that morning. The child was born with a severe congenital heart condition requiring immediate intervention.
Budner stated that the infant is currently recovering under the supervision of medical staff and his parents. The family has not provided further details regarding the specific nature of the surgery or the child's prognosis beyond noting he is recuperating.
The case involves a complex legal battle over parental rights in Texas. Last week, Mckenna West, the surrogate mother carrying the baby, petitioned a Dallas County court to mandate medical care for the fetus she is gestating.
Texas state authorities have also intervened in the dispute, joining the legal proceedings to determine who holds parental status for the child. The involvement of multiple states and government entities has drawn significant national attention to the case.
