Texas midwife accused by state’s attorney general of providing illegal abortions

A Texas midwife, Maria Margarita Rojas, has been arrested and charged with providing illegal abortions in violation of the state’s near-total abortion ban. This marks the first time criminal charges have been filed under the controversial law. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the charges, stating that Rojas operated three clinics in the Houston area where illegal abortion procedures were performed.

Rojas, 48, faces charges of the illegal performance of an abortion, a second-degree felony, and practicing medicine without a license, a third-degree felony. Paxton emphasized the sanctity of life in Texas and his commitment to upholding pro-life laws in the state. He vowed to prosecute individuals who endanger the lives of women by performing illegal abortions.

The case was referred to Paxton for prosecution by Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore. Rojas was arrested on March 6 and released on bond the following day. Court records did not list an attorney for Rojas, and attempts to reach her clinics for comment were unsuccessful. The clinics advertise various services, including physical exams, ultrasounds, and vaccines.

Texas is one of 12 states with a ban on abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with exceptions allowed only in cases of life-threatening conditions. Critics of the ban argue that it lacks clarity on medically necessary exceptions. A bill has been introduced in the current legislative session to address these concerns and clarify the law.

The charges against Rojas carry severe penalties, with the illegal performance of an abortion punishable by up to 20 years in prison and practicing medicine without a license carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years. Paxton’s office has filed a temporary restraining order to close Rojas’ clinics.

This case is significant as it is one of the few instances of criminal charges being filed related to illegal abortion clinics since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, allowing states to enact abortion bans. In a similar case, a Louisiana grand jury indicted a New York doctor for illegally prescribing abortion pills online to a Louisiana patient. Paxton has also filed a civil lawsuit against the same doctor on similar charges.

It remains to be seen how this case will unfold and what impact it may have on the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights and restrictions in the United States. The enforcement of state abortion laws continues to be a contentious issue, with legal challenges and legislative efforts shaping the landscape of reproductive rights.