A North Texas infant at the center of a multi-state legal dispute between his biological parents and surrogate has undergone the first of three surgeries expected to treat a life-threatening heart condition.
The baby, whom his biological parents call Rumi, underwent the Norwood procedure on Monday in Dallas, according to attorney Lee Budner, who represents parents Omar Ahmed and Nausheen Gilkar of California.
Rumi was born last Wednesday after being diagnosed before birth with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS. The condition affects the development of the left side of the heart and typically requires multiple surgeries during early childhood.
Baby Recovering After Surgery
Budner said the baby’s medical team determined Friday that he was eligible for the Norwood procedure, a complex operation that is typically the first of three surgeries used to treat HLHS.
The procedure was performed Monday morning, and Budner said Rumi is recovering with his parents and medical team.
“His condition remains critical and complex, and his family seeks privacy in caring for their son on his long road to recovery,” Budner said in a statement.
The second surgery is typically performed when a child is between 4 and 6 months old, while the third generally takes place between 18 months and 4 years old, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The family said Monday’s surgery is the last health update they plan to provide publicly.
Legal Dispute Over Baby’s Care
The infant’s medical treatment has become part of a broader legal dispute involving his parents and McKenna West, the Alaska woman who served as their surrogate.
According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, Ahmed and Gilkar asked West to terminate the pregnancy after doctors diagnosed the heart condition at about 20 weeks. West declined and traveled to Texas, where she gave birth.
West has referred to the child as Gabriel, while the biological parents have named him Rumi.
Paxton’s office intervened in a Dallas County parentage case and obtained an emergency court order requiring the infant to receive medically necessary treatment. The order also limits his removal from Texas and addresses who may make medical decisions for him.
The child’s biological parents currently have custody of him.
West’s attorney has said she intends to continue seeking custody and has challenged the parentage orders. Her legal team has argued that Texas law recognizes the woman who gives birth as the child’s mother.
Budner disputed West’s custody claims, saying she continues to pursue them despite court orders from Alaska and California.
Parents Criticize Paxton’s Involvement
Ahmed and Gilkar have criticized Paxton’s intervention, which their attorney characterized as “political theater.”
Paxton’s office has maintained that the intended parents had not agreed to consent to the surgery and argued that the child should be given an opportunity to receive lifesaving treatment.
The legal proceedings remain ongoing as Rumi recovers from his first major heart operation.
Provided by Dallas Express
