California doctor sent abortion pills to Texas woman. Under a new law, her boyfriend is suing
A California doctor is facing the first lawsuit of its kind under a new Texas law that allows private citizens to take legal action against those who provide abortion medication within the state. The lawsuit, filed in Texas federal court in July 2025, alleges that the doctor violated Texas law.
A Novel Legal Challenge
Jerry Rodriguez alleges that San Francisco Bay Area doctor Remy Coeytaux violated Texas laws by mailing abortion-inducing pills to his girlfriend on two occasions – once in 2024 and again in early 2025. According to the lawsuit, the pills were ordered by the girlfriend’s estranged husband, who then pressured her to take them. Attorney Jonathan Mitchell is representing Rodriguez in the case.
The Texas Law
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent Coeytaux from mailing abortion pills into Texas, citing House Bill 7. This law, known as the Woman and Child Protection Act, allows private citizens to sue anyone who “manufactures, distributes, mails, transports, delivers, prescribes, or provides” abortion pills to Texans. It took effect in December.
The law has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers and activists who argue it attempts to override the laws of other states. The filing of this lawsuit represents a new front in the ongoing legal battles over abortion access following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Escalating Conflict Between States
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the use of abortion pills increased as women in states with restricted access sought medication from out-of-state providers. This has led to a conflict between states, with some, like California and New York, enacting shield laws to protect doctors from legal repercussions in other states.
However, some Republican-led states have attempted to discipline doctors who provide such medications. In 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a cease-and-desist letter to Coeytaux, threatening prosecution. More recently, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced an indictment against Coeytaux for allegedly “trafficking” illegal abortion pills.
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to Louisiana’s indictment request by refusing to extradite Coeytaux, stating his state will not allow other states to punish doctors for providing legal reproductive healthcare.
What Could Happen Next
The Texas lawsuit could lead to a court ruling on the legality of the law and its reach beyond state borders. Other states with similar laws could file similar lawsuits. Federal courts may be asked to weigh in on the question of conflicting state laws regarding abortion care. The outcome of this case and others like it, could significantly shape the future of abortion access in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is House Bill 7?
House Bill 7 is a Texas law that allows private citizens to sue anyone who “manufactures, distributes, mails, transports, delivers, prescribes, or provides” abortion pills to Texans.
What is the basis of the lawsuit against Dr. Coeytaux?
The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Coeytaux violated Texas laws by mailing abortion-inducing pills to a woman in Texas on two occasions.
How have other states responded to these types of laws?
States like California and New York have passed shield laws to protect doctors from out-of-state investigations and prosecutions related to providing abortion care.
As states continue to navigate the legal landscape surrounding abortion access, how might these ongoing legal battles ultimately impact the availability of reproductive healthcare across the country?