A depiction of the ongoing legal battles surrounding abortion rights in the United States.
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by Jerry Rodriguez against a California doctor and others for the alleged illegal distribution of abortion pills. The case challenges existing abortion shield laws in pro-life states. It alleges violations of the Comstock Act and seeks accountability for those involved in procuring the pills. As abortion laws continue to evolve, this lawsuit raises critical questions about the rights of fathers and the future of reproductive health regulations in various states.
Houston, Texas – A landmark wrongful death lawsuit was filed in federal court on July 20, 2025, by Jerry Rodriguez against California doctor Remy Coeytaux, following the termination of pregnancies involving abortion pills. This case aims to test the legal boundaries of abortion shield laws that protect abortion providers from liability when serving patients in pro-life states like Texas.
In addition to Coeytaux, Rodriguez is suing Kendal Garza’s estranged husband, Adam Garza, and her mother, holding them accountable for their involvement in procuring the abortion pills. The lawsuit signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal discourse surrounding abortion laws in the United States.
According to the lawsuit, Rodriguez alleges that Coeytaux illegally mailed abortion pills across state lines, specifically in September 2024 and January 2025, which is believed to be in violation of the Comstock Act—a law enacted in the 1800s that prohibits the mailing of items intended for abortion use. This assertion raises questions about the legality of cross-state abortion pill distribution.
Texas law currently bans abortion except in medical emergencies, and while women who undergo abortions are protected from legal action, individuals or entities that assist women in obtaining abortions can be subject to legal consequences. The lawsuit highlights these complexities as it calls for accountability for those providing such services.
Legal representation for Rodriguez includes pro-life attorney Jonathan Mitchell, who is noted for his influence on Texas’s abortion landscape, particularly the Heartbeat Bill (SB 8). The lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 in damages and an injunction to prevent Coeytaux from distributing abortion-inducing drugs in the future.
Rodriguez’s relationship with Kendal Garza began in June 2024. Shortly after, she became pregnant. Although Garza initially decided to carry the baby to term, pressure from her estranged husband, Adam Garza, pushed her toward seeking an abortion. Payments for the abortion pills, totaling $150, were processed via Venmo, indicating the acquisition through Coeytaux. The litigation also suggests that Kendal Garza used the pills under duress from both Adam Garza and her mother.
<![CDATA[ It is stated that she ingested the abortion pills at two different locations—her mother's residence and Adam Garza's home in Galveston County. Following the procedure, Kendal reportedly informed Rodriguez about needing to cut the baby's umbilical cord and bury it, though the location of the burial was not disclosed. ]]>
Kendal Garza later became pregnant for a third time in May 2025. Rodriguez expressed concern that she might again be subjected to pressure regarding this new pregnancy. The lawsuit also charges Coeytaux with felony murder for allegedly causing the deaths of the two unborn children through his actions.
This case emerges in a post-Dobbs context, where the implications of state laws regarding abortion access become increasingly complicated. Legal experts predict that the outcomes of this case could serve as a framework for future pro-life initiatives aiming to target abortion providers in states with stricter regulations.
As this case unfolds, it raises significant questions regarding the rights of fathers concerning unborn children, as Rodriguez seeks to establish legal standing for fathers to file suit in abortion-related cases. The outcome may have lasting effects on how abortion laws are perceived and enforced across different states, particularly in regions with contrasting legislative approaches to reproductive health.
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