Family Sues Over Preeclampsia Death, Alleging Denial of Abortion

The family of Tierra Walker has filed a lawsuit in Texas, claiming her death was due to the denial of an abortion during a life-threatening pregnancy. Walker, aged 37, passed away from preeclampsia at 20 weeks pregnant. Her family asserts that an abortion could have saved her life as her health declined.

Lawyers submitted the lawsuit in Bexar County District Court against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and several doctors. They accuse the defendants of ‘deliberate indifference, discrimination, and medical mistreatment’ leading to Walker’s tragic demise.

Preeclampsia involves severe high blood pressure during pregnancy, posing fatal risks. The family argues Texas Attorney General Paxton’s prohibition on abortion stripped Walker of her right to life. The lawsuit suggests her doctors failed in offering necessary medical intervention.

Paxton, running for Senate, defends Texas’ strict abortion ban and has pursued legal actions against doctors and organizations providing abortion pills.

The lawsuit states that Texas’ political and medical systems harmed Walker by denying her the necessary medical procedure. Michelle Maloney, a lawyer for the family, shared that caregivers refused due to a pervasive ‘fear’ surrounding abortion since the ban took effect in 2022.

Tierra Walker’s case was first reported by ProPublica. CBS News sought responses from all parties involved in the lawsuit. University Health, one defendant, emphasized its commitment to timely, appropriate care while safeguarding privacy and legal compliance.

Walker discovered her pregnancy on Sept. 19, 2024, during an emergency room visit. She had been managing chronic health problems like obesity, high blood pressure, asthma, and Type 2 diabetes. In a previous pregnancy, she suffered from preeclampsia, ending in stillbirth of twins and a decline in her health.

Her condition seemed to improve in 2024, with lower blood pressure and weight loss aided by GLP-1 medication. During an emergency visit, doctors adjusted her medications for pregnancy. However, she returned shortly after due to seizures, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

Medical tests during her October hospital stay labeled her seizures as non-epileptic functional seizures, unrelated to pregnancy or preeclampsia. Walker’s medical records noted offers for psychiatric treatments amid concerns over anxiety.

Her aunt LaTanya Walker mentioned staff belief in Tierra’s ‘craziness,’ recounting comments suggesting mental issues. Walker’s family voiced concerns about health risks from pregnancy and requested termination.

Maloney recorded Tierra’s initial request on Oct. 12 at another hospital and later at University Health. Despite risks to her life, University Health staff never counseled her on abortion or suggested seeking the procedure out of state.

Doctors documented high risk of death in late October and early November, yet she was discharged only to return later. Requests for abortion met with dismissal about the baby’s condition, disregarding Walker’s health.

The Texas Medical Board has clarified that medical care, including pregnancy termination, is permissible before life-threatening conditions arise. LaTanya reflected Walker’s considerations for her teenage son, showing commitment despite health concerns.

The lawsuit points out discrepancies like the absence of abortion requests in medical records, which Duane attributes to doctors’ fear of documenting abortion due to potential repercussions.

LaTanya considered ordering abortion pills online but hesitated, fearing complications and accountability.

Texas’ abortion ban underlined threats to the mother’s life but imposed harsh penalties for those found guilty of providing abortions.

Later legislation attempted to clarify medical exemptions, but professionals remained cautious about legal consequences.

Walker returned to the emergency room on Dec. 27, diagnosed with preeclampsia. Despite potential fatal complications, the lawsuit alleges she wasn’t offered an abortion. Discharged again, her health worsened, leading to her son finding her unresponsive on his birthday.

An autopsy attributed her death to hypertensive cardiovascular disease and preeclampsia, noting her fetus’ normal development.

Months of requesting pregnancy termination passed, her family believes it would have saved her life. Texas lawmakers introduced The Life of the Mother Act to assure timely abortion care.

Obstetricians expressed hesitation, fearing repercussions despite legislative assurances. The family denies political motives for the lawsuit, citing an expiring filing deadline and Paxton’s role fostering fear. CBS News tried reaching Paxton’s office without receiving a reply.

LaTanya shared a pointed message to Paxton, reflecting family anger.