Texas AG Intervenes in Surrogate Dispute Over Infant with Heart Defect
A legal dispute has arisen in Texas between a California couple and their surrogate over a newborn with a severe heart defect. The surrogate gave birth in Texas, while the couple, who reportedly wanted to terminate the pregnancy after the…
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 13, 2026 —
A complex legal battle is unfolding in Texas concerning a newborn infant diagnosed with a severe heart defect, involving a California couple, their surrogate, and the state’s Attorney General.
The surrogate gave birth to the child in Texas. The child’s biological parents, a couple from California, are reportedly in Dallas with the infant. According to reports, the couple had expressed a desire to terminate the pregnancy following the diagnosis of the heart defect.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken an active role in the case. He has issued orders directing hospitals to provide life-sustaining care for the infant and to ensure the baby remains within Texas. The Attorney General’s office has not provided further details on the specific legal grounds for this intervention at this time.
The surrogate, who is reportedly receiving support from anti-abortion organizations, is seeking legal custody of the child. She asserts her claim in the ongoing legal proceedings.
In contrast, the California couple argues that the surrogate has breached their surrogacy contract. The specifics of the alleged breach and the terms of the contract were not immediately available.
The case highlights complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding surrogacy, particularly when prenatal diagnoses involve significant health concerns. The future custody and care of the infant remain a central focus of the legal dispute.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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