Lee Budner

Lee Budner is a parent involved in a recent surrogacy dispute in Texas concerning their newborn child who has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a serious congenital heart defect requiring surgery. The situation became newsworthy when the surrogate mother, McKenna West of Alaska, reportedly refused to continue medical treatment for the baby after giving birth in Texas. A judge in Dallas intervened, ordering life-sustaining care for the infant. Following the judge's order, the baby was placed in the custody of Lee Budner and their partner, and is currently receiving stabilizing care at a Texas hospital in preparation for necessary surgical procedures. The case highlights complex legal and ethical issues surrounding surrogacy agreements and medical decision-making for newborns with critical health conditions.