Texas court orders medical treatment for surrogate in child health defect case

The Hill · August 12, 2026Original source ↗

What happened

A Texas court ruled that McKenna West, a surrogate from Alaska, must receive medical care following a request from the intended parents for an abortion due to health defects in the fetus. The court issued a temporary restraining order that prevents West from refusing medical care and from removing the child from the medical facility in Dallas.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities surrounding surrogacy agreements and parental rights in medical situations.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are involved in a surrogacy arrangement?

This case underscores the legal complexities that can arise in surrogacy agreements, particularly regarding medical decisions. It highlights the potential for conflicts between the rights of surrogates and the wishes of intended parents, which could impact how future agreements are structured.

How does this story affect you if you are considering becoming a surrogate?

This ruling may influence your understanding of the legal obligations and medical rights involved in surrogacy. It raises important questions about the extent of control surrogates have over their medical care and the implications of health defects in the fetus.

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