Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has on Monday March 17, 2025, announced the arrest of a Texas midwife for allegedly performing illegal abortions.
According to media report, this arrest marks the first time criminal charges have been filed under the state’s near-total abortion ban.
Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, is facing two felony charges.
The first is the illegal performance of an abortion, which is a second-degree felony, while the second charge is practicing medicine without a license, a third-degree felony.
Paxton claims Rojas operated at least three unlicensed clinics in the Houston area.
Texas authorities believe these clinics provided abortion services in violation of state law.
In a statement issued by Paxton, he said “Life is sacred in Texas, I will protect the unborn and hold lawbreakers accountable.”
The Waller County District Attorney’s Office referred the case to Paxton for prosecution.
Paxton’s office is leading the legal action against Rojas.
Recall that on March 6, Rojas was arrested.
She was released on bond the next day, court documents did not list an attorney to represent her.
It is said that a woman at one of Rojas clinics denied knowing her when contacted by phone and calls to two other clinics were not returned.
The clinics advertise various services online, including ultrasounds, vaccines, and physical exams.
Texas currently enforces a strict abortion ban at all stages of pregnancy.
The law allows exceptions only when the patient’s life is in danger.
Opponents argue that the law lacks clarity on medical exceptions.
A bill has been introduced to define when exceptions apply.
If convicted, Rojas will face up to 20 years in prison for the abortion charge and practicing medicine without a license carries a penalty of up to 10 years.
At the time of this report, Paxton’s office has filed a restraining order to shut down Rojas’ clinics.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, few criminal cases have targeted illegal abortion clinics.
In Louisiana, a grand jury recently indicted a New York doctor.
She allegedly prescribed abortion pills online to a Louisiana patient.
Paxton has also filed a civil lawsuit against this doctor.
This case highlights the growing legal efforts to enforce abortion bans.
Texas officials continue to crack down on suspected violations of the law and authorities say they will prosecute anyone performing illegal abortions.
Critics argue that such laws put women at risk.
They say the restrictions force some to seek unsafe procedures.
Supporters of the ban believe it protects unborn lives.
They argue that strict enforcement is necessary.
As the case against Rojas moves forward, legal experts will watch closely.
The outcome could set a precedent for future abortion-related prosecutions.
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