Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the arrest of Houston-area midwife Maria Margarita Rojas, marking the first arrest of an abortion provider under the state’s strict abortion ban. Rojas faces charges of illegally performing abortions and practicing medicine without a license.
Illegal Abortion Network Uncovered
Rojas was taken into custody in Waller County on Monday afternoon. According to Paxton’s office, she ran a network of unlicensed abortion clinics, which included:
Clinica Waller Latinoamericana (Waller)
Latinoamericana Medical Clinic (Spring)
Clinica Latinoamericana Telge (Cypress)
Authorities have issued a temporary restraining order against these facilities to prevent further operations. Investigators allege that unlicensed individuals posed as medical professionals at these clinics, offering medical services without proper credentials.
Who Is Maria Margarita Rojas?
Rojas, identified as a Certified Professional Midwife, is listed on the Tomball Birth Center’s website. The site describes her as someone passionate about natural childbirth and holistic pregnancy care. She reportedly moved to Texas a few years ago to train as a midwife in Houston.
However, state officials claim she used this background to run an illicit abortion practice in violation of the Human Life Protection Act—Texas' near-total abortion ban, which criminalizes abortion providers.
Legal Ramifications
Under Texas law, Rojas faces a second-degree felony charge for the illegal performance of an abortion, along with practicing medicine without a license. If convicted, she could be subject to penalties of at least $100,000 per violation.
Texas law specifically targets abortion providers, not patients, meaning women who sought procedures at these clinics will not face criminal charges.
Paxton’s Response
Paxton, known for his strong stance on abortion restrictions, vowed to uphold Texas’ pro-life policies.
“In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our state’s pro-life laws, and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted,” he said in a statement.
Paxton’s office received the case from Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore, who will oversee the prosecution.
Statewide Impact
Rojas' arrest serves as a high-profile test case for Texas’ abortion ban enforcement. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Texas has enacted some of the nation’s strictest abortion laws.
With this being the first arrest under the ban, the case will likely set a precedent for future prosecutions. Pro-life advocates see it as a victory for Texas’ anti-abortion laws, while pro-choice activists argue it highlights the dangers of criminalizing reproductive healthcare.
