Texas woman asks court for abortion because of pregnancy complications

Kate Cox and her husband were expecting their third child when they got a devastating fetal diagnosis last week. She is also having problems threatening her own health. A judge may decide if she can end her pregnancy on Thursday. (Cox family)

"Kate Cox needs an abortion, and she needs it now." Thus begins a petition filed in a Texas district court this week, asking a judge to allow the abortion to be performed in the state, where abortion is banned with very limited exceptions.

The petition was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is the group behind a high profile case heard at the Texas Supreme Court last week.