News Summary
In a groundbreaking move, Jerry Rodriguez has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against California physician Dr. Remy Coeytaux, following his girlfriend Kendal Garza’s use of abortion pills to terminate two pregnancies. The case, filed in federal court, alleges illegal distribution of abortion medications across state lines, challenging existing abortion laws. Rodriguez’s legal team seeks to establish fathers’ rights within abortion contexts, asserting harm caused to unborn children. This lawsuit could significantly impact the legal landscape surrounding abortion rights and provider accountability.
Texas Father Files Landmark Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Houston, Texas – Jerry Rodriguez has initiated a significant wrongful death lawsuit against California physician Dr. Remy Coeytaux after his girlfriend, Kendal Garza, used abortion pills to terminate two pregnancies. This legal action was filed in federal court within the Southern District of Texas on July 20, 2025, and also implicates Garza’s estranged husband, Adam Garza, and her mother for their involvement in obtaining the abortion pills.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit centers around claims that Dr. Coeytaux illegally mailed abortion pills across state lines in September 2024 and January 2025, asserting that this action violates the Comstock Act, which prohibits mailing items intended for abortion. Rodriguez’s legal team argues that Coeytaux’s actions constituted not only a breach of federal law but also violated Texas Health & Safety regulations regarding the distribution of abortion medications.
The complaint seeks at least $75,000 in damages and an injunction to prevent Dr. Coeytaux from further distributing abortion-inducing drugs. It aims to establish the legal standing of fathers to sue in cases related to abortion, emphasizing Rodriguez’s position as a father concerned for the welfare of his unborn children.
Legal Implications
This case is viewed as a critical test of the boundaries existing within the blue state abortion shield laws, which offer protections to abortion providers when serving patients from states with more restrictive laws. In Texas, abortions are largely banned except in medical emergencies, and although women obtaining abortions cannot be prosecuted, those facilitating these procedures may face legal consequences.
Rodriguez has enlisted the help of pro-life attorney Jonathan Mitchell, known for his influential role in shaping Texas abortion laws, including the controversial Heartbeat Bill (SB 8). The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Coeytaux knowingly delivered drugs intended to induce abortions to Garza, further complicating the legal terrain surrounding abortion access and provider culpability.
Chronology of Events
Jerry Rodriguez began dating Kendal Garza in June 2024, shortly after which she became pregnant. While she initially expressed a desire to carry the child to term, pressures from her estranged husband, Adam Garza, led her to consider abortion. Financial transactions amounting to $150 for the abortion pills were conducted via Venmo, indicating their purchase from Dr. Coeytaux.
Kendal Garza reportedly consumed the abortion pills at various residences, including her mother’s home and Adam’s home in Galveston County. After taking the pills, Kendal reached out to Rodriguez, expressing distress about needing to perform a burial for the unborn babies, although she did not reveal the burial locations. The emotional and psychological toll on Kendal has been apparent as she became pregnant again in May 2025, leading Rodriguez to fear further pressures to terminate this pregnancy.
Potential Consequences for Abortion Providers
The lawsuit charges Dr. Coeytaux with felony murder, claiming he knowingly caused the deaths of two unborn children. This case illustrates the ongoing complexities surrounding post-Dobbs abortion litigation and underscores the broader implications for interstate abortion access amid evolving legal frameworks. Legal experts suggest that this case could serve as a model for future pro-life litigation targeting abortion providers across various states.
As the case develops, it will potentially influence the landscape of abortion rights and restrictions, serving as a litmus test for the limits of both state protections and federal regulations concerning reproductive health.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Second Circuit Upholds New York’s Reproductive Health Act
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
