Case of Surrogate Fleeing to Texas Raises Complex Legal Questions
Summary
A legal dispute has arisen involving surrogate McKenna West from Alaska, a California couple who hired her, and a baby born in Texas with a serious heart condition. The conflict centers on decisions about the pregnancy after the diagnosis, parental rights, and custody, with Texas courts now involved alongside those in Alaska and California.Key Facts
- The baby was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe heart defect, after a 20-week scan.
- The surrogate, McKenna West, and the intended parents disagreed on whether to continue the pregnancy; West alleges the parents wanted to end it.
- West traveled from Alaska to Texas, which has strict abortion laws, and sought specialized medical care there.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened to ensure the baby receives medical treatment and stays in Texas during the dispute.
- The baby was born in Dallas and is currently receiving medical care.
- The intended parents and their lawyer say the surrogate and Texas officials are politicizing the case.
- Surrogacy laws vary by state; California is friendly to surrogacy contracts, while Texas and Alaska do not have identical rules.
- A legal hearing is scheduled for August 25 to address custody and parental rights.
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