SAN ANTONIO — The family of a 37-year-old San Antonio woman who died during pregnancy has sued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, state medical officials, UT Health San Antonio and several doctors, alleging that Texas’ abortion restrictions contributed to her death.
Tierra Walker died in December 2024 at 20 weeks pregnant from preeclampsia and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to the lawsuit. Her family alleges that Walker repeatedly sought an abortion as her condition worsened but did not receive one.
The lawsuit, filed in a San Antonio state district court, names Paxton, Texas Medical Board Executive Director Stephen Brint Carlton, UT Health San Antonio, several Bexar County entities and officials, and multiple doctors as defendants.
Family alleges delays in care
According to the lawsuit, Walker developed seizures, blood clots and dangerously high blood pressure during her pregnancy. Her attorneys said more than 90 doctors participated in her care.
The family alleges that Texas’ abortion restrictions discouraged doctors from ending Walker’s pregnancy even as her health deteriorated.
Texas’ abortion ban took effect in August 2022 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The law includes an exception when a pregnancy creates a risk of death or substantial impairment of a major bodily function.
The lawsuit also argues that Texas’ abortion ban violates the state and federal constitutions.
Molly Duane, one of the family’s attorneys, said during a Wednesday news conference that the case centers on whether the state can impose abortion restrictions without facing legal responsibility when those restrictions contribute to a person’s death.
“The basic principle here is that you cannot take away someone’s life as a state and not be held liable for doing so,” Duane said.
Medical board disputes need to wait for crisis
The Texas Medical Board said in a statement to CBS News that physicians do not have to wait until a pregnant patient faces an immediate threat to her life before providing necessary medical care.
The board said such care can include ending a pregnancy in certain circumstances.
Paxton’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. UT Health San Antonio said it had no information to provide at this time.
Aunt represents family
LaTanya Walker, Tierra’s aunt, serves as the lead plaintiff and represents Tierra’s teenage son, husband and mother, according to the lawsuit.
LaTanya Walker spoke during Wednesday’s news conference and said she hopes the case prevents other families from experiencing a similar loss.
“Her life mattered. It mattered. And I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else,” she said.
The family has retained Amplify Legal, the litigation arm of Abortion in America, and the Marynell Maloney Law Firm.
