Texas medical assistant arrested over illegal abortion clinics

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has confirmed the arrest of a medical assistant in Texas on Monday March 17.

Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, 29, was accused of carrying out an illegal abortion and practicing medicine without a license at unauthorized clinics near Houston.

His arrest is linked to Maria Margarita Rojas, a midwife facing similar charges under Texas’ strict abortion laws.

Court counts revealed Ley was first arrested on March 6 and later released on bond before being rearrested on Monday.

Earlier diaspora Digital Media (DDM), reported that Rojas, 48, is accused of running three illegal abortion clinics in northwest of Houston.

Her arrest is the first criminal case under Texas near-total abortion ban.

Paxton alleges Ley assisted Rojas and illegally performed at least one abortion.

Ley, a Cuban national, reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and was placed on parole.

Another suspect, Rubildo Labanino Matos, 54, was arrested for practicing medicine without a license.

Paxton have vowed to prosecute individuals performing illegal abortions in Texas to the full extent of the law.

He emphasized his commitment to enforcing the state’s pro-life policies and ensuring violators are held accountable.

Court documents do not list lawyers for Ley or Rojas to comment on their behalf.

If convicted, performing an illegal abortion carries up to 20 years in prison.

Practicing medicine without a license has a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.

Texas law bans abortion at all stages unless the pregnancy threatens the patient’s life.

Critics argue the law is unclear about medical exceptions and leaves doctors uncertain.

A state lawmaker has proposed a bill to clarify circumstances where medical exceptions apply.

Earlier this year, a Louisiana grand jury indicted a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills illegally.

Paxton has also filed a civil lawsuit against the doctor under similar accusations.

The case continues as authorities investigate the operations of the illegal clinics.

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