Family alleges Texas abortion restrictions contributed to woman’s preventable death

Tierra Walker’s family sues Ken Paxton, University Health and doctors, alleging Texas abortion restrictions contributed to her 2024 death from preeclampsia.

The family of a Texas woman who died from severe pregnancy complications has filed a lawsuit accusing state officials, doctors and a San Antonio medical center of failing to provide care they say could have saved her life.

Tierra Walker, 37, died in December 2024 while about 20 weeks pregnant. Her family filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Bexar County District Court, naming Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, University Health and several medical professionals as defendants.

The case places Walker’s death at the center of a continuing dispute over how Texas’ abortion restrictions affect medical decisions when a pregnancy threatens a patient’s health.

According to CBS News reports, Walker’s family alleges she repeatedly sought an abortion as her condition deteriorated, but medical providers did not offer the procedure or advise her to leave Texas for care. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of deliberate indifference, discrimination, and medical mistreatment.

Walker had a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia that resulted in the stillbirth of her twins. Her family says she had been working to improve her health before becoming pregnant again in 2024.

Medical records reviewed by CBS News show Walker experienced seizures and other symptoms during a lengthy hospital stay in October. Her family says they repeatedly warned medical staff that continuing the pregnancy could put her life at risk.

In late October and early November, doctors documented that Walker faced a high risk of death. She was nevertheless discharged and later returned to the hospital. On Dec. 27, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia and discharged again. Days later, her teenage son found her unresponsive at home.

An autopsy attributed her death to hypertensive cardiovascular disease and preeclampsia, with severe fluid buildup in her lungs and kidney damage.

Texas law does contain medical-emergency exceptions to its abortion restrictions. A 2025 law, the Life of the Mother Act, further clarified that physicians can act when a pregnancy creates a life-threatening physical condition, including before a patient reaches the point of immediate danger.

The Texas Medical Board told CBS News that doctors are not required to wait until a patient’s life is in immediate danger before providing necessary care and said that, in some circumstances, the care can include pregnancy termination.

University Health said it could not comment on an individual patient or pending litigation but said its priority is providing medically appropriate and timely care while complying with the law.

The lawsuit now puts the handling of Walker’s medical care, and the practical effect of Texas’ abortion laws, before a court.