Houston, Texas, August 1, 2025
News Summary
A Texas father, Jerry Rodriguez, has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against physician Remy Coeytaux for allegedly mailing abortion pills used by his girlfriend, Kendal Garza. This lawsuit challenges blue state abortion shield laws and seeks damages for the termination of two pregnancies. It also implicates Garza’s estranged husband and mother for their involvement. The case is viewed as significant amid the ongoing legal complexities surrounding abortion access post-Dobbs decision, potentially setting a precedent for future litigation.
Houston, Texas — A significant legal battle has emerged as Jerry Rodriguez, a Texas father, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against California physician Remy Coeytaux. The claim comes in response to Coeytaux’s alleged illegal mailing of abortion pills, 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.
In addition to Coeytaux, Rodriguez’s lawsuit targets Garza’s estranged husband, Adam Garza, and her mother for their involvement in procuring the abortion pills. The case is seen as a crucial legal test regarding the boundaries of blue state abortion shield laws, which are designed to protect abortion providers from legal consequences when serving patients from states that impose stricter abortion laws, such as Texas.
Current Texas law generally prohibits abortions, except in cases involving medical emergencies, and no legal consequences are faced by women who have abortions. However, those who provide or facilitate abortion services can face legal ramifications. Rodriguez asserts that Coeytaux mailed abortion pills across state lines in September 2024 and January 2025, which he claims constitutes a violation of the Comstock Act, an 18th-century law prohibiting the mailing of items used for abortion.
The lawsuit alleges Coeytaux intentionally sent the drugs, with knowledge that they would induce abortions, while also citing breaches of Texas Health & Safety laws concerning the provision of abortion drugs. Rodriguez is seeking at least $75,000 in damages and an injunction to prevent Coeytaux from distributing any abortion-inducing drugs in the future. The suit aims to establish the legal standing for fathers of unborn children to pursue litigation in abortion-related cases.
Rodriguez began dating Garza in June 2024, and she soon became pregnant. Initially, Garza expressed a desire to keep the child, but under pressure from her estranged husband, she ultimately chose to terminate the pregnancies. Financial transactions for the abortion pills, totaling $150, were traced through Venmo, linking them to Coeytaux.
The lawsuit notes that Garza took the pills at various locations, including her mother’s home and the home of Adam Garza in Galveston County. Following the use of the pills, Garza reportedly texted Rodriguez about the need to cut the baby’s umbilical cord and bury it, although the specific location remained undisclosed. In May 2025, Garza became pregnant for a third time, heightening Rodriguez’s concerns that she may again face pressure to terminate the pregnancy.
The case alleges felony murder against Coeytaux, contending that he knowingly caused the death of two unborn children. Legal experts are viewing this lawsuit as a pivotal case that highlights the complexities involved in post-Dobbs abortion litigation and its implications for interstate abortion access.
This lawsuit may serve as a framework for future pro-life litigation aimed at abortion providers in states with more restrictive abortion laws. As the legal landscape continues to evolve following the landmark Dobbs decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, cases like this one illustrate the ongoing tension between state laws regarding abortion access and the rights of individuals involved in these situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the basis of Jerry Rodriguez’s lawsuit?
Jerry Rodriguez is suing California doctor Remy Coeytaux for wrongful death after abortion pills used by his girlfriend Kendal Garza resulted in the termination of two pregnancies. The lawsuit alleges that Coeytaux illegally mailed these pills across state lines.
What are blue state abortion shield laws?
Blue state abortion shield laws protect abortion providers from legal repercussions when they serve patients from pro-life states that have stricter abortion laws. These laws aim to safeguard healthcare providers who assist women in accessing abortion services.
What legal implications does this case hold?
This case may set a legal precedent for fathers of unborn children to sue in abortion-related cases, potentially influencing future pro-life litigation against abortion providers in states with restrictive laws.
What are the potential outcomes of this lawsuit?
Rodriguez is seeking at least $75,000 in damages and an injunction to prevent Coeytaux from distributing abortion-inducing drugs. The outcome may also impact the interpretation of laws surrounding abortion access and the responsibilities of medical providers across state lines.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Jerry Rodriguez |
| Defendant | Dr. Remy Coeytaux, Adam Garza, Kendal Garza’s mother |
| Legal Basis | Wrongful death and felony murder allegations |
| Key Legal Issues | Violations of the Comstock Act, Texas Health & Safety laws |
| Damages Sought | At least $75,000 |
| Impact | Potential legal precedent for future pro-life litigation |
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HERE Resources
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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
