Texas Man Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Friends Who Helped His Ex-Wife Obtain an Abortion

In Texas, a man filed a wrongful death lawsuit last week against three women who helped his ex-wife obtain abortion pills. In what is possibly the first lawsuit of its kind, the legal action realizes many of abortion advocates’ fears—demonstrating the potential of civil suits to be brought against women seeking abortions and those who wish to help them.

Last Thursday, Marcus Silva filed a lawsuit against three of his ex-wife’s friends, alleging that they helped her obtain abortion pills last July. The suit also claims that the manufacturer of the pills is liable and states that it will be added as a defendant once it is identified. Silva seeks over $1 million in damages for the “wrongful death” of his and his ex-wife Brittni’s “unborn child.” The lawsuit was filed just one month after the couple divorced.

Abortion is illegal in Texas, with a narrow exception for abortions performed in a “medical emergency.”

The lawsuit contains excerpts from text messages between Silva’s ex-wife and two of the defendants, Jackie Noyola and Amy Carpenter. In the messages—which appear to be crudely captured photos of Brittni Silva’s phone screen—Brittni and her friends plan to obtain abortion pills.

“Ohhhh ok no so we have pills here in Houston,” Noyola texted the group. “So no you wouldn’t have to fly. You could get them from us or your could order some online but they’re expensive and I think take maybe a week or 2 to get here.”

Later, the group discussed when Silva would take the pills. “Do it over the weekend…. Have a heavy period and stay in bed,” Carpente