Texas man charged for secretly inducing abortion that caused stillbirth

May 27, 2026

A Texas man has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly giving a pregnant woman an abortion-inducing drug without her knowledge, resulting in the death of her unborn baby.

The Christian Post reports that 25-year-old Jon Rueben Demeter was indicted by a Montgomery County grand jury on first-degree felony charges of performance of an abortion and injury to a child.

In a statement, Montgomery County District Attorney Mike Holley said that the case “represents allegations of deliberate deception that resulted in devastating consequences” and added, “The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue justice based on the facts, the evidence, and the laws of the State of Texas.”

Demeter is accused of allegedly crushing a mifepristone pill, mixing it with an electrolyte drink mix and giving it to a woman who was about 14 weeks pregnant, causing her to deliver a stillborn baby.

Holley stated that regardless of abortion laws, “it has never been lawful for someone to perform an abortion in a manner against the woman and against her consent, of this nature.”

According to Houston Public Media, the case is believed to be the first time someone in Texas has been criminally charged with providing an abortion since the state banned the procedure in nearly all circumstances.

Chief Prosecutor Laura Hill said, “These allegations describe conduct that is both deeply troubling and profoundly harmful. Our responsibility is to carefully evaluate the evidence, apply the law as written, and seek justice on behalf of victims and this community.”

According to the Christian Post, the case comes as litigation continues over whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can allow abortion pills to be distributed by mail, especially to states with abortion restrictions.

Photo: top, Credit: Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images