General · Texas behavioral health news
Surrogate asks Texas court to allow her to seek medical care on the baby she’s carrying, AG Paxton says
Texas Tribune – Health · By Katlyn Ma and Terri Langford · August 11, 2026
In plain language
A surrogate carrying a baby with a severe heart defect is seeking legal permission in Texas to obtain life-saving medical care for the child. The surrogate traveled from Alaska to Texas after the biological parents allegedly requested an abortion and stated they would refuse medical treatment after the birth. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has intervened, securing a temporary order to keep the baby in the state for treatment. This case highlights a complex legal conflict between surrogacy contracts and state laws regarding a birth mother's rights and child welfare.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- A surrogate is seeking legal authority in Dallas to treat a fetus diagnosed with a severe heart defect.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened to support the surrogate and ensure the baby receives medically necessary care.
- A court order currently prevents anyone from removing the child from Texas or refusing necessary medical treatment.
- The case involves a conflict between a surrogacy contract and Texas laws that recognize birth mothers as legal parents.
- Texas law allows the state to override parental decisions if intervention is necessary to protect a child's welfare.
The UT Southwestern Medical Campus in Dallas on June 22, 2022. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.texastribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/UTSW-Genecis-ST-06.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> An Alaskan surrogate has traveled to Texas for legal protection after a California couple has refused treatment for the baby. The post Surrogate asks Texas court to allow her to seek medical care on the baby she’s carrying, AG Paxton says appeared first on The Texas Tribune.
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