HOUSTON — In a significant move regarding Texas’ strict abortion laws, a midwife has been arrested on charges of performing illegal abortions. This is the first time that such criminal charges have been filed under the state’s almost complete ban on abortions, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Maria Margarita Rojas, aged 48, faces serious allegations, including performing illegal abortions, which is classified as a second-degree felony, and practicing medicine without a license, a third-degree felony. Authorities claim that Rojas operated at least three clinics in the Houston area where these procedures occurred, violating Texas law.
Attorney General Paxton emphasized the importance of protecting life in Texas, stating, “In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn and ensure that individuals who endanger women’s health by performing illegal abortions are held accountable.” He noted that Texas’ laws regarding the protection of life are clear, and there will be no tolerance for those who break them.
The case was referred to Paxton’s office by Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore, located northwest of Houston. Court records show that Rojas was arrested on March 6 and released on bond the following day. There was no immediate legal representation for her listed in court records.
A staff member at one of Rojas’s clinics stated that she was unfamiliar with the midwife. Additionally, attempts to reach the other clinics for comment were unsuccessful. Records on the clinics’ Facebook pages show they offered services like physical exams and ultrasounds, but did not mention abortions.
Texas is one of twelve states that have enacted bans on abortions at all stages of pregnancy, with the law allowing exceptions only for life-threatening medical conditions. Critics argue that the law lacks clarity regarding medical exceptions, and discussions are ongoing in the current legislative session to refine those conditions.
The consequences for Rojas’s charges could be severe, potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison for the illegal abortions and 10 years for practicing without a license. In response to the situation, Paxton’s office has also initiated a temporary restraining order to shut down Rojas’s clinics.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, there have been very few criminal actions taken against operators of illegal abortion clinics in the country. However, there was a notable instance earlier this year when a Louisiana grand jury indicted a New York doctor for illegally prescribing abortion pills online.
As these legal matters unfold, the situation continues to spark discussions around the enforcement of abortion laws and the protection of life in Texas.
