A Texas man from Brazos County has filed a legal petition seeking a court order to depose a woman he was dating who traveled to Colorado to get an abortion. The case, which has garnered attention due to its potential implications for abortion rights, revolves around the man's claim of pursuing wrongful-death claims related to the termination of his unborn child.
The man, Collin Davis, retained an attorney who sent a letter to the woman requesting preservation of all records related to her abortion plans. Davis argues that the deposition is necessary to determine if there was a violation of the Texas wrongful-death statute, which recognizes unborn children as individuals from fertilization until birth.
The woman, who remains anonymous through sealed court records, began dating Davis in November and discovered her pregnancy in January. The case has raised concerns among abortion rights supporters who fear that strict abortion laws could be used to target abortions obtained even in states where the procedure is legal.
Davis, represented by a prominent lawyer and abortion rights opponent, seeks information about those involved in the abortion, including the doctor who performed the procedure in Colorado. The lawyer cited Texas' six-week abortion ban, known as SB 8, in the petition for the deposition.
Legal experts and advocates have expressed skepticism about the basis for a lawsuit against the woman, emphasizing that it is legal to seek an abortion in a state where it is permitted. The case is seen as a reflection of the evolving legal landscape surrounding abortion rights post the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
While the outcome of Davis' petition remains uncertain, the case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking abortions amidst changing legal frameworks and potential threats of legal action. The broader implications of this case may further shape the discourse around abortion rights and access in the United States.
