An Alaska surrogate mother is fighting a legal battle to protect the life of the baby she is carrying after the child’s biological parents allegedly sought an abortion following a diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a serious but treatable heart condition.

McKenna West, an Alaska nurse and mother of two, became a surrogate in 2025. During a 20-week anatomy scan, doctors diagnosed the unborn child, known as Baby Gabriel, with HLHS, which affects the development of the left side of the heart.

According to court documents, the baby’s biological parents requested an abortion under the terms of their surrogacy agreement. West said she could not agree to end the child’s life, especially after learning that treatment options were available.

“Every life matters. No woman should be forced to end the life of the baby she is carrying — including me,” West said. “Baby Gabriel should receive a chance at life.”

West offered to take full responsibility for the child and relieve the biological parents of financial and custodial obligations, but the offer was rejected, according to the lawsuit. She later traveled to Texas, where she hopes Baby Gabriel can be born at a hospital specializing in pediatric cardiac care.

The legal dispute has moved through courts in Alaska and California as both sides contest issues involving custody, parental rights, and the baby’s medical care. Baby Gabriel is expected to be born in September.

Babies diagnosed with HLHS typically require major heart surgery shortly after birth, but those who receive treatment can survive for years and reach adulthood.

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