Surrogate’s Baby Born in Texas;
Receiving Life-Saving Care Amid Legal Battles

Washington, D.C. – Live Action, one of the nation’s leading human rights organizations, joyfully welcomes Baby Gabriel, who was born today in Texas. 

Yesterday, a Texas court ruled that the baby would receive the life-saving care he needed upon birth, but that the surrogate mother, McKenna West, would be separated from him. 

Lila Rose, founder and president of Live Action, released the following statement:

“McKenna gave birth after courageously refusing the contracting parents’ demand that she abort him because of his serious but treatable heart condition.

Heartbreakingly, a temporary restraining order issued yesterday prevented McKenna from seeing or holding the baby she carried and fought to protect.

But Gabriel is doing well, and because of a separate court order, he is now on the path to receiving the life-saving medical care he needs. Please pray for this precious baby boy and for McKenna.”

McKenna has fought for the baby’s life since the prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome at 24 weeks. At that time, the intended parents attempted to force an abortion. Once McKenna refused, they suggested they would withhold the necessary care after birth, effectively leaving the baby to die. At 35 weeks pregnant, McKenna filed for custody of the child so that he could receive the required treatment for his condition. 

Yesterday’s ruling came after unwavering support from the Texas Attorney General, who said, “Baby Gabriel deserves a chance at life, and I will not allow anyone to unlawfully deny him medically necessary care. My office will use every tool available to protect innocent lives and ensure that every child receives the care required under Texas law.”

About Lila Rose and Live Action
Lila Rose founded and serves as president of Live Action. Live Action is a 501(c)3 human rights non-profit and the digital leader of the global pro-life movement. Live Action exists today to shift public opinion against abortion and to defend the rights of the most vulnerable. With over 9.3 million social media followers and 4.1 billion lifetime video views, Live Action reaches individuals 71 million times per month– saving lives and transforming hearts, with 43% of surveyed followers saying Live Action’s content has changed their position against abortion. Through compelling educational media, human interest storytelling, investigative reporting, and community activism, Live Action reveals the humanity of preborn children and exposes the abortion industry’s exploitation of women and families for profit. Lila is also the author of Fighting for Life: Becoming a Force for Change in a Wounded World.