Kate Cox Flees Texas as Abortion Battle Intensifies

Kate Cox, the Texas woman who filed a lawsuit last week asking for an emergency abortion, is now leaving the state to get care, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.

A Texas judge granted Cox, a pregnant 31-year-old mother of two, permission to get an abortion, as her fetus has a fatal trisomy 18 genetic defect, also known as Edwards' syndrome. Most babies with the defect will die before birth or shortly afterward. Texas Supreme Court ruled on Friday in an order that it was temporarily staying the lower court's decision, halting Cox from legally getting the medical procedure in Texas. The stay remains in place until the court delivers a full decision.

On Monday, Cox left the state to allow herself to terminate the pregnancy legally, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights, which has represented Cox in the case.

"She's been in and out of the emergency room and she couldn't wait any longer," said Nancy Northup, head of the reproductive rights group.