A Texas woman who faced murder charges after self-managing an abortion in 2022 has been granted permission to move forward with her lawsuit against the local sheriff and prosecutors. The charges were dropped shortly after her arrest, but the case has sparked national outrage and legal action.
The woman, identified as Lizelle Gonzalez, spent two nights in jail on murder charges before they were dismissed. The incident occurred in Texas, a state known for its strict abortion laws. While Texas law exempts women seeking abortions from criminal charges, Gonzalez was still arrested and indicted.
During a hearing in McAllen, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton denied a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Gonzalez seeking $1 million in damages. The defendants, including Starr County District Attorney Gocha Ramirez, argued for immunity from civil lawsuits, claiming it was a case of negligence.
Gonzalez's attorneys, represented by the ACLU of Texas, argued that prosecutors should have been aware of the legal exemption for women seeking abortions. The lawsuit also implicates the county and a local hospital for violating patient privacy rights by reporting the abortion.
The incident unfolded when Gonzalez took the drug misoprostol while 19 weeks pregnant, leading to a stillborn delivery after medical intervention. The charges against her were dropped shortly after her arrest, with Ramirez admitting to a mistake and facing disciplinary action.
Wednesday's ruling allows Gonzalez's lawsuit to proceed, shedding light on the legal complexities surrounding abortion laws and enforcement in Texas. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women seeking reproductive healthcare in states with restrictive abortion policies.
