Texas Attorney General intervenes after surrogate mother brings newborn with heart defect to state
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Surrogate mother McKenna West fled to Texas with her newborn, Gabriel, after the baby's diagnosis and alleged request for abortion by the intended parents; Attorney General Ken Paxton announced legal steps to ensure the child receives required medical care.
A surrogate mother who gave birth to a baby diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome traveled to Texas, where state Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office took action to secure medical treatment for the infant. Paxton's office issued a statement that it had notified UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas of their legal obligations to provide "medically necessary, life-saving care" after the baby’s birth.
According to the statement, the intended parents had asked the surrogate to terminate the pregnancy following the diagnosis. After the infant, named Gabriel, was born on Wednesday, he was placed in a neonatal intensive care unit where doctors plan to perform corrective surgery, which the hospital reports has a high success rate.
"The court has made the right decision in immediately acting to protect baby Gabriel’s life and ensure he receives the care he deserves," Paxton said.
"My office will use every tool available to protect innocent lives and ensure that every child receives the care required under Texas law," he added.
Fox News contacted the attorney general’s office and the two hospitals for comment but did not receive additional responses.