The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights is warning two Texas hospitals against denying life-saving care to a newborn baby with a severe heart defect. The baby, named Gabriel, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital condition in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped.
Federal Intervention
The federal intervention comes after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton took action to ensure the newborn receives medically necessary care. Paxton’s office had notified UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas of their legal obligations to provide Gabriel with life-saving care.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights is sending a letter to the hospitals outlining their obligations under federal disability civil rights laws. The agency said it is monitoring Gabriel’s case and offering technical assistance to the hospitals as they determine his care.
Support for the Newborn
The case has drawn an outpouring of support for the surrogate mother, McKenna West, from conservative and pro-life advocates. West had refused the biological parents’ request to abort the baby after he was diagnosed with the heart condition.
Pro-life groups, including Alliance Defending Freedom and Live Action, have praised West’s decision to continue the pregnancy and fight for Gabriel’s care. The groups have raised concerns that a court order is preventing West from having contact with the newborn.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
