Family of pregnant woman who died sues Texas AG, alleges denied abortion led to death

Tierra Walker, 37, died in December 2024 when she was 20 weeks pregnant.

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ByMary Kekatos ABCNews logo
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 1:49PM

The family of a pregnant woman who died sued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday, claiming she was denied an abortion that could have saved her life.

Tierra Walker, a 37-year-old from San Antonio, died in December 2024 when she was 20 weeks pregnant. 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 reportedly faced seizures and blood clots. The family claims that doctors refused to treat her.

The lawsuit also names the executive director of the Texas Medical Board, the University of Texas health system and individual doctors. Additionally, the suit alleges that Texas' abortion ban is unconstitutional.

Abortion is currently banned in Texas with very limited exceptions and criminal and civil penalties for providers.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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