“Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked.” – Exodus 23:7
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There is a legal battle ensuing right now that has gripped the nation between a surrogate mother named McKenna West and the biological parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, who live in Los Angeles. The legal battle revolves around the birth of “Baby Gabriel” and who will have legal custody of the child. McKenna, who was living in Alaska, was contracted by the couple to be the surrogate mother through IVF. At a 20-week ultrasound, doctors diagnosed the baby with hypoplastic left heart syndrome — a serious congenital heart defect, but one that is treatable with surgery.
McKenna claimed the California parents, after hearing the news, demanded she have an abortion. McKenna refused, and because of this the parents filed a lawsuit against her. McKenna then connected with Lila Rose of Live Action. Rose helped get McKenna and “Baby Gabriel” to Texas, where they would be protected, and the baby could receive the medical care he needed.
On August 12th, McKenna gave birth to “Baby Gabriel,” who received the life-saving care he needed due to an emergency court order from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Due to a separate California court order, “Baby Gabriel” was immediately taken from McKenna and placed in the physical custody of the California parents. McKenna is challenging the California court order, claiming she is the birth mother under Texas law, and seeking to overturn the California ruling.
This case reminds us of what happens when humanity departs from God’s design: moral chaos ensues and the image of God is desecrated. IVF and surrogacy bring inherent moral risk that can turn children into commodities instead of gifts. Baby Gabriel’s biological parents saw him as a product they purchased, not a life that was created. That’s why when they found out he had a heart defect they wanted him aborted. It wasn’t what they ordered.
Yet, now that he’s born, the woman who saved his life and carried him for nine months has no rights to him. There aren’t words adequate to capture this moral chaos. But outside of God’s created order, trouble always exists.
Despite how he was conceived, we should praise God that “Baby Gabriel” was born. It doesn’t matter how someone is conceived; every human is made in the image of God and precious in His sight. But hopefully “Baby Gabriel’s” birth will open people’s eyes to the wild west of the entire IVF and surrogacy industries in the United States.
LET US PRAY…
Father, we praise that “Baby Gabriel” was not aborted and is receiving the critical medical care he needs. Lord, may this unfortunate situation be a catalyst for rethinking the practice of IVF and surrogacy throughout our nation. Father, may our nation honor You and flourish by living under Your good design. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.