Rep. Judy Chu in Sierra Madre (File Photo – Lauren Pressman)
A new investigation by ProPublica has revealed the devastating story of Tierra Walker, a 37-year-old mother from San Antonio who died after being repeatedly denied medical care under Texas’s strict abortion ban. Her case has sparked outrage among reproductive rights advocates and lawmakers, including Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), who issued a forceful statement condemning the law and calling for federal action.
By News Desk
Chu, the author of the Women’s Health Protection Act, described Walker’s death as both preventable and emblematic of the dangers posed by abortion bans that criminalize medical care. “This is horrifying. Tierra Walker should be alive today, but Texas’s extremist abortion ban made it illegal for doctors to give her the standard medical care she needed to survive,” Chu said. “Her death was preventable, and it was caused by a law written by Republicans to control women’s bodies, no matter the consequences.”
According to the investigation, Walker sought help from more than 90 physicians as her pregnancy pushed her toward organ failure. Despite her repeated pleas, none felt safe offering the medically necessary option of ending the pregnancy, fearing prosecution under Texas law. Walker ultimately died, leaving behind her 14-year-old son.
Chu underscored the human toll of such restrictions, asking: “How many more women have to needlessly suffer? How many more have to die? How many more children have to grow up without their mother? How many more parents have to lose their adult daughters before Republicans in Congress finally do what’s right and protect women’s basic freedom to survive their own pregnancies?”
She argued that the tragedy highlights the urgent need for federal protections. “This doesn’t have to be our reality,” Chu said. “My bill, the Women’s Health Protection Act, would restore the right to abortion care nationwide and ensure that patients and providers can make lifesaving medical decisions without fear of prosecution. It would take only six Republicans in the House to join with us and pass this vital legislation to restore bodily autonomy to every person in this country, regardless of their state or zip code.”
Walker’s death adds to growing concerns that abortion bans are endangering lives by preventing doctors from providing standard medical care. Chu’s statement positions her legislation as a direct response to these consequences, pressing Congress to act before more families face similar tragedies.
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