Brownsville, Texas, August 1, 2025
News Summary
In a significant legal move, a Texas father, Jerry Rodriguez, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a California doctor, asserting the illegal mailing of abortion pills that resulted in the termination of two pregnancies. Alongside the doctor, two others are named in the lawsuit, which seeks to challenge abortion shield laws in states with stricter regulations. This case raises essential questions about paternal rights in abortion cases and the implications of cross-state medical practices following the recent shifts in abortion law in the U.S.
Brownsville, Texas — Jerry Rodriguez, a Texas father, has filed a landmark wrongful death lawsuit against California doctor Remy Coeytaux, claiming that the illegal mailing of abortion pills led to the termination of two pregnancies involving his girlfriend, Kendal Garza. The lawsuit was submitted in federal court in the Southern District of Texas on July 20, 2025, and adds legal pressure to the complex landscape of abortion rights and restrictions in the United States.
In addition to Coeytaux, the lawsuit also names Garza’s estranged husband, Adam Garza, and her mother, alleging that they facilitated the abortion pills. This case is seen as a significant legal test of the so-called abortion shield laws in blue states, which protect abortion providers from legal consequences when servicing patients from states with stricter anti-abortion laws.
Under Texas law, abortion is strictly prohibited except in cases of medical emergencies, and women who undergo abortions cannot be prosecuted. However, individuals who provide abortion services or assist in procuring abortions face potential legal action. Rodriguez claims that Coeytaux unlawfully mailed the abortion pills across state lines in September 2024 and January 2025, violating the Comstock Act, an 18th-century law that restricts the mailing of items linked to abortion.
The lawsuit further contends that Coeytaux had knowledge that the pills would be used for abortions. Rodriguez is represented by Jonathan Mitchell, a pro-life attorney notable for his role in shaping Texas’s abortion laws, including the controversial Heartbeat Bill (SB 8). He is seeking at least $75,000 in damages and an injunction to prevent Coeytaux from distributing abortion-inducing drugs.
Rodriguez’s case aims to pave the way for fathers of unborn children to have legal standing in abortion-related lawsuits. His relationship with Kendal Garza commenced in June 2024, shortly before she became pregnant. While she initially expressed a desire to keep the child, Garza reportedly faced pressure from her estranged husband to terminate the pregnancy. Payments for the abortion pills, totaling $150, were made through Venmo, suggesting a purchase from Coeytaux.
Documents from the lawsuit reveal that Kendal Garza took the pills at her mother’s home and at Adam’s residence in Galveston County. After taking the pills, Kendal communicated with Rodriguez regarding the need to cut the baby’s umbilical cord and bury it, with no indication of the burial location. Following a third pregnancy in May 2025, Rodriguez expressed concern that Kendal may be pressured again to terminate this pregnancy.
Rodriguez’s lawsuit also alleges felony murder against Coeytaux for knowingly causing the death of two unborn babies. This case underscores the complexities of post-Dobbs abortion litigation and its implications for interstate abortion access. Legal experts suggest that the outcome could serve as a model for similar pro-life litigation targeting abortion providers in states with restrictive laws.
Key Aspects of the Lawsuit
- Filed by: Jerry Rodriguez
- Defendants: Dr. Remy Coeytaux, Adam Garza, Kendal Garza’s mother
- Filed in: Southern District of Texas Federal Court
- Date Filed: July 20, 2025
- Claims: Wrongful death, violation of abortion laws, felony murder
- Damages Sought: At least $75,000
- Legal Focus: Establishing legal standing for fathers in abortion-related matters
Background Context
The case is part of a larger dialogue surrounding abortion rights in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. It highlights the ongoing tensions between states with differing views on abortion and the potential legal ramifications that could arise from cross-state medical services. Legal experts are closely monitoring this case as it could reshape the landscape for abortion-related legal disputes moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of Jerry Rodriguez’s lawsuit?
Jerry Rodriguez’s lawsuit is based on wrongful death claims regarding the use of illegally mailed abortion pills that led to the termination of pregnancies involving his girlfriend, Kendal Garza.
What is the legal significance of this case?
This case is viewed as a legal test of abortion shield laws and could establish new legal precedents regarding a father’s standing to sue in abortion-related matters.
What penalties could the defendants face if found guilty?
If found guilty, the defendants could face damages, potential criminal charges for felony murder, and injunctions against them concerning future distribution of abortion-inducing drugs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
