Texas Woman Who Had Abortion Denied Failed Sterilization Damages

A Texas woman who had an abortion after a failed sterilization procedure can’t recover damages from her doctor for the mental anguish caused by her decision to end a subsequent pregnancy, a state appeals court said.

The noneconomic costs inherent in a healthy pregnancy aren’t compensable under Texas law, and the same holds true when the mother elects not to carry an unplanned pregnancy to term, the Texas Court of Appeals, Second District, said Thursday.

The question was one of first impression, but “in name only,” Chief Justice Bonnie Sudderth said. While the court hadn’t previously considered the precise issue, ...