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The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights has notified two Dallas medical facilities that they must provide necessary treatment to a newborn with a severe cardiac condition, citing federal disability protections. The agency sent formal notification Thursday to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center regarding their legal obligations in the case of baby Gabriel, who was born Wednesday with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
The dispute began when Gabriel’s biological parents requested his surrogate mother, McKenna West, terminate the pregnancy following his diagnosis at approximately 20 weeks gestation. West declined the request and traveled to Texas to deliver the child, who was immediately admitted to neonatal intensive care for treatment of his underdeveloped left heart.
HHS stated in its letter that federal law explicitly prohibits withholding medical care based on disability status or assumptions about quality of life or burden to others. The agency emphasized that these protections apply to decisions regarding life-sustaining treatment and said it is monitoring Gabriel’s case while providing technical assistance to the hospitals.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton previously secured a court order mandating that Gabriel receive necessary medical care and surgery. Paxton said his office utilized all available legal tools to ensure the newborn’s protection and will continue supporting his medical needs.
Pro-life advocates and conservative organizations have voiced strong support for West’s decision to continue the pregnancy. Alliance Defending Freedom, which represents West, praised the court order, while Live Action raised concerns about restrictions preventing West from contact with the newborn.
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