News Summary
In a significant legal move, a Texas father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a California doctor for mailing abortion pills used by his girlfriend, seeking to challenge the legality of abortion practices across state lines. This lawsuit, filed in federal court, also targets the girlfriend’s estranged husband and mother for their roles in obtaining the medication, raising complex questions about abortion laws amidst increasing scrutiny post-Dobbs ruling. The case aims to set new precedents for fathers’ legal standing in abortion matters and could impact future pro-life litigation across the nation.
Galveston, Texas — A Texas father, Jerry Rodriguez, has filed a landmark wrongful death lawsuit against California doctor Remy Coeytaux, claiming that Coeytaux illegally mailed abortion pills that were used by Rodriguez’s girlfriend, Kendal Garza, to terminate two pregnancies. The lawsuit was submitted in federal court in the Southern District of Texas on July 20, 2025, and is being regarded as a significant legal test regarding the boundaries of abortion laws across state lines.
In addition to Coeytaux, Rodriguez is suing Garza’s estranged husband, Adam Garza, and her mother for their involvement in obtaining the abortion pills. Rodriguez’s legal representation comes from pro-life attorney Jonathan Mitchell, who is known for influencing abortion laws in Texas, including the controversial Heartbeat Bill (SB 8).
The lawsuit emerges against the backdrop of Texas law, which strictly prohibits abortion except in cases of medical emergencies. While women who have abortions are protected from prosecution under this law, the same does not apply to individuals providing abortion services or assisting women in obtaining abortions, who could face legal consequences.
Rodriguez alleges that Coeytaux violated the Comstock Act, an 18th-century law that makes it illegal to send items related to abortion through the mail. Specifically, the lawsuit claims Coeytaux mailed pills that were intended to induce abortions across state lines to Garza on two occasions in late 2024 and early 2025. The suit states that Coeytaux knowingly sent these medications, fully aware they would be used for abortion purposes.
Rodriguez is seeking at least $75,000 in damages and is requesting an injunction to prevent Coeytaux from distributing further abortion-inducing drugs. The case aims to set a precedent for establishing legal standing for fathers of unborn children to file lawsuits concerning abortion-related matters.
The circumstances surrounding the case reveal additional complexities; Rodriguez began dating Garza in June 2024, after which she became pregnant. Initially expressing a desire to keep the child, Garza reportedly faced significant pressure from her estranged husband, Adam, which ultimately influenced her decision towards abortion. Payments for the abortion pills, totaling $150 and made via Venmo, suggest a direct purchase from Coeytaux.
The lawsuit indicates that Garza took the pills at residences belonging to her mother and Adam in Galveston County. Following the administration of the pills, Garza communicated with Rodriguez about needing to cut the baby’s umbilical cord and discussed burying the remains, although she did not reveal the specifics of the location.
In May 2025, Garza became pregnant a third time, raising concerns for Rodriguez about potential future pressures to terminate again. The lawsuit also alleges felony murder against Coeytaux, asserting that he knowingly caused the death of two unborn babies through his actions, which raises further legal implications as abortion litigation surges in complexity post-Dobbs.
This case emphasizes the significant legal challenges surrounding interstate abortion access and the continuing shifts in regulation and enforcement at both state and federal levels. Legal experts suggest that it could serve as a model for future pro-life litigation that specifically targets abortion providers operating in states with more restrictive laws.
As the lawsuit proceeds, it will likely draw attention from various advocacy groups and legal analysts, who will closely observe the outcomes for indications of how similar cases may unfold in the evolving landscape of abortion rights and regulations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Man Files Lawsuit Challenging Abortion Access
New York Rejects Texas Fine Against Abortion Provider
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
