Nationwide — McKenna West, an African American woman from Alaska who became a surrogate mother, is fighting to protect the baby she is carrying after the child’s biological parents allegedly demanded an abortion. The dispute began after the unborn baby was diagnosed with a serious but treatable heart condition.
West, a nurse and single mother of two, became a surrogate through Worldwide Surrogacy Specialists in September 2025, hoping to earn money to support her family. Months later, during a 20-week anatomy scan in April 2026, doctors discovered that Gabriel had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare heart defect that affects the development of the left side of the heart.
According to the New York Post, Gabriel’s biological parents, identified in court records as A.B. and C.D., asked West to terminate the pregnancy based on an abortion clause in their surrogacy agreement. When doctors in Alaska refused to perform the late-term abortion, the couple allegedly asked West to travel to Seattle for the procedure.
West said she had already formed a bond with the baby and could not go through with the abortion. She argued that Gabriel’s condition could be treated with surgery after birth and that he should have the opportunity to receive medical care.
The lawsuit claims West offered to take full custody of Gabriel and remove the biological parents from any financial or legal responsibilities. However, the couple rejected the offer and allegedly threatened to sue her for $250,000, a cost West said she could not afford.
West later moved to Texas, where she hoped to give birth at a hospital that specializes in treating babies with complex heart conditions. Meanwhile, the legal dispute continued in Alaska and California as the biological parents sought to have her return to California and fought to maintain their parental rights.
Babies born with HLHS usually require heart surgery soon after birth to survive. Medical information cited in the case states that children who receive treatment can live into childhood and adulthood.
West also offered to give up her parental rights if the biological parents agreed to allow Gabriel to receive the surgeries doctors recommend. Court documents say the couple declined and has discussed palliative care options with medical providers.
A.B. and C.D. have denied West’s accusations, saying she has misrepresented their position. They claimed in court documents that they are concerned about whether Gabriel will qualify for surgery because West has refused an amniocentesis, a prenatal test that can identify certain genetic conditions.
The baby is expected to be born on Sept. 3 as both sides continue their legal fight over his care and future.