Texas Contradicts Stance on Fetal Rights in Prison Guard Lawsuit

Texas officials, while defending themselves against a lawsuit filed by a prison guard who experienced a stillbirth while on duty, argued that an "unborn child" may not have rights under the US constitution, contradicting their previous support for restrictions on abortion. The guard and her husband are seeking restitution for medical and funeral costs, as well as pain and suffering. The Texas attorney general's office and the prison agency argue that the agency should not be held responsible for the stillbirth and question whether the fetus had rights as a person. The lawsuit will proceed, but the arguments over the rights of the fetus have not been addressed. The overturning of Roe v Wade has allowed states to enact restrictive abortion laws, leading to ongoing legal challenges.