McKenna West defies abortion order, keeps Rumi alive in custody battle

Photos of the newborn at the center of a custody dispute were released Tuesday. The images show the infant, called Rumi by his biological parents Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar, with a long scar down his chest from emergency heart surgery.

They also depict him hooked to tubes and machines monitoring his fragile health.

McKenna West, the surrogate who carried the baby to term in Texas, has refused to terminate the pregnancy despite the parents’ request after a heart issue was diagnosed during gestation. The child, whom the parents call Rumi and whom West calls Gabriel, was born in a Texas hospital following emergency surgery.

West’s refusal set the stage for a months‑long legal battle over custody.

The infant currently resides with Omar and Nausheen while the parties await the United States Supreme Court's decision on whether to review the case. , Lee Budner, the parents have been quietly caring for Rumi and following medical recommendations. Buder warned that a stay requested by West could jeopardize continuity of care.

## Background & Context

The legal dispute began after the parents discovered a congenital heart defect during the pregnancy, prompting them to seek an abortion. West, who agreed to act as surrogate for the couple, refused to comply with the termination request and proceeded with delivery. The birth took place in Texas, where she carried the baby to term.

Rumi is now under intensive care, connected to multiple tubes and monitoring devices. His parents have been following the recommendations of his medical team while West has remained in the public eye. The case has drawn attention to surrogacy agreements and the legal rights of biological parents versus surrogates.

## Current Legal Status

West’s legal team has filed a request for a stay with the Supreme Court, arguing that the court should intervene. Attorney Lee Budner told reporters that “While McKenna West has been conducting a publicity tour, Rumi's parents have been quietly caring for their child and following the recommendations of Rumi's medical team.”

Buder also warned that “[McKenna's] requested stay to the United States Supreme Court threatens the continuity of Rumi's medical care. A stay would not change who Rumi's parents are.

It would only create confusion over medical decision‑making authority and jeopardize the providers' ability to rely on Rumi’s consent to Rumi’s treatment.” The attorneys argue that a stay could disrupt ongoing care and complicate consent for medical interventions.

The case remains pending as the Supreme Court considers whether to review the dispute. Stakeholders wait for a ruling that will determine custody, medical decision authority, and the legal standing of both parents and surrogate.