Family of pregnant woman who died in Texas sues AG Paxton, claiming denied abortion caused death

Tierra Walker, a 37-year-old from San Antonio, died in December 2024. Her family alleges in a lawsuit that they had asked for an abortion as she experienced seizures and blood clots. The doctors refused to treat her, the lawsuit alleges.

By Kevin Killough

Published: September 16, 2026 2:15pm

The family of a pregnant woman who died filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, claiming that her life could have been saved if she hadn't been denied an abortion.

Tierra Walker, a 37-year-old from San Antonio, died in December 2024 when she was 20 weeks pregnant, ABC News reported. According to her family, she had been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia at the time.

Walker's family alleges that she and family members asked for an abortion as she experienced seizures and blood clots. The doctors refused to treat her, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit also names the executive director of the Texas Medical Board, the University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center, Bexar County Hospital District, individual doctors and Joe Gonzales, the district attorney for Bexar County.

With limited exceptions, abortion is banned in Texas with some limited exceptions. Providers face criminal and civil penalties for violating the law. The family's lawsuit also argues that Texas' abortion ban is unconstitutional.

The lawsuit was filed by Amplify Legal, the litigation arm of the anti-abortion nonprofit Abortion in America, and the Marynell Maloney Law Firm.