The lawsuit filed by Lizelle Gonzalez in federal court targets prosecutors in Starr County along the US-Mexico border, who initiated criminal proceedings against her for allegedly self-managing an abortion. The charges, including murder, were later dropped. Gonzalez spent two nights in jail and faced media coverage over the incident, leading her to seek $1 million in damages.
Gonzalez was accused of murder after using misoprostol, a drug commonly used in medication abortions, while she was 19 weeks pregnant. Despite seeking medical attention after experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding, she ultimately delivered a stillborn baby via caesarian section.
The lawsuit argues that the hospital breached Gonzalez's privacy rights by reporting the abortion to the district attorney's office, which then pursued criminal charges against her. Despite state law exempting women seeking abortions from murder charges, prosecutors continued with the case.
Gonzalez's attorney, Cecilia Garza, highlighted the prosecutorial misconduct, noting that charges were pursued despite knowledge of the legal exemption for women undergoing abortions.
Starr County District Attorney Gocha Ramirez, facing disciplinary action from the State Bar of Texas, ultimately agreed to a settlement, including a fine and probationary suspension of his license. Ramirez admitted to making a mistake but opted for the settlement to ensure the continued functioning of his office.
The lawsuit underscores the significant impact of the ordeal on Gonzalez's life and seeks redress for the harm caused by the wrongful prosecution. Both Ramirez and Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, who holds the county's top elected position, declined to comment on the lawsuit.
