Texas Attorney General exploits surrogate mother's crisis to push anti-abortion agenda
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After surrogate McKenna West fled to Texas with her newborn Gabriel, diagnosed with a severe heart defect, Attorney General Ken Paxton seized the opportunity to advance his anti-choice policies, announcing legal steps to block the intended parents' alleged request for abortion and enforce state-mandated medical care.
A surrogate mother, forced into a harrowing situation after her baby was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, traveled to Texas—one of the most restrictive states for reproductive rights. Attorney General Ken Paxton, notorious for his anti-abortion crusades, quickly intervened, claiming his office acted to secure medical treatment for the infant. Paxton's office issued a statement to UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, reminding them of their legal obligations to provide 'medically necessary, life-saving care' post-birth, a move that underscores the state's disregard for the autonomy of women and surrogates.
According to the statement, the intended parents had asked the surrogate to terminate the pregnancy following the devastating diagnosis, a request that reflects the difficult choices families face under such circumstances. After Gabriel was born on Wednesday, he was placed in a neonatal intensive care unit, where doctors plan to perform corrective surgery—a procedure with a high success rate, according to the hospital.
'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, using the case to further his political narrative.
'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, making clear his intent to impose state control over deeply personal medical decisions.
Fox News contacted the attorney general’s office and the two hospitals for comment but did not receive additional responses.