News Summary
A Texas man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a California doctor for allegedly mailing abortion pills across state lines, leading to the deaths of two unborn children. The case challenges the limits of pro-life laws in Texas and raises questions about interstate abortion access. The lawsuit targets not just the physician, but also others involved in procuring the pills, seeking damages of at least $75,000. This case could have significant implications for future abortion-related litigation and the rights of fathers in such matters.
San Antonio, TX — Landmark Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Abortion Pills Mailed Across State Lines
In a significant development in abortion-related litigation, a Texas man has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a California doctor, challenging the legal boundaries surrounding interstate abortion services. The case, filed on July 20, 2025, in the federal court of the Southern District of Texas, centers on allegations that the doctor illegally mailed abortion pills that resulted in the deaths of two unborn children.
Background of the Lawsuit and Key Parties Involved
The plaintiff, Jerry Rodriguez, a father from Texas, accuses California-based physician Remy Coeytaux of violating federal and state laws by mailing abortion-inducing pills in late 2024 and early 2025. The lawsuit states that Coeytaux, operating through an online platform, sent pills across state lines, which Rodriguez claims led to the termination of two pregnancies. Rodriguez’s legal action extends beyond the physician, also naming Kendal Garza, the woman who took the pills, her estranged husband Adam Garza, and her mother as co-defendants, alleging their involvement in procuring the medications.
Legal Basis and Controversy
The case is intended as a legal test of the extent to which pro-life laws in Texas, which heavily restrict abortion, can be challenged by actions taken across state borders. Under Texas law, abortion is generally prohibited except in cases of medical emergency, and women who seek or undergo abortions cannot be prosecuted or sued. However, providers and assistors in facilitating abortions might face criminal or civil sanctions. This lawsuit aims to broaden the rights of certain parties, specifically attempting to allow fathers to pursue legal action in abortion cases.
Allegations Against the Defendant
The lawsuit accuses Coeytaux of violating the Comstock Act, a federal law from the 19th century that bans mailing abortion-related drugs. It claims Coeytaux knowingly shipped these pills, intended for abortion, despite explicit legal prohibitions. Rodriguez’s legal team asserts that the doctor was aware the pills would be used to induce abortion and violated Texas health and safety standards regulating such procedures. The total damages sought by Rodriguez amount to at least $75,000.
Details of the Case
According to court documents, payments for the abortion pills, totaling $150, were processed through Venmo, with evidence suggesting that the medication was purchased directly from Coeytaux. It is alleged that Kendal Garza took the pills at her mother’s residence and Adam Garza’s home in Galveston County. Following the procedure, Kendal reportedly texted Rodriguez about needing to cut the unborn child’s umbilical cord and to bury the remains, though she did not disclose the location.
The lawsuit highlights that Kendal Garza became pregnant for a third time in May 2025, with Rodriguez expressing concern that her estranged husband might again pressure her into terminating the pregnancy. Additionally, the case alleges that Coeytaux committed felony murder by knowingly causing the death of two unborn children through his mailing of the pills.
Implications and Broader Context
This lawsuit underscores ongoing legal debates about interstate abortion access following the Dobbs decision, which overturned federal abortion rights protections, shifting authority to individual states. The case brings into focus the challenge of enforcing abortion restrictions across state borders and raises questions about the rights of fathers and third parties in abortion-related litigation.
Legal experts recognize this case as potentially forming a precedent for future efforts to target abortion providers through civil or criminal lawsuits, especially in states with restrictive abortion laws. The outcome may influence how abortion services, especially those facilitated across state lines via online means, are legislated and prosecuted in the coming years.
Conclusion
The outcome of this case could reshape the legal landscape surrounding interstate abortion access and the rights of individuals involved in the process. It also reflects broader national debates over abortion legislation, provider accountability, and the reach of existing federal and state laws designed to regulate reproductive health services.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Lawsuit Challenges Mail-Order Abortion Pill Shield Laws
New York County Rejects Texas Fine Against Doctor Over Abortion Pills
Additional Resources
- Christian Post
- Wikipedia: Abortion in the United States
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Abortion
- Washington Post
- Google Search: Texas abortion lawsuit
- USA Herald
- Google Scholar: Abortion lawsuits
- Statesman
- Google News: Abortion case Texas
- Fortune
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
