Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas, was present at Manhattan criminal court in New York ahead of Donald Trump’s trial on April 30. A midwife in Texas has been arrested for allegedly performing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without the required license. State Attorney General Ken Paxton disclosed the arrest, stating that it occurred earlier this month following an investigation by his office.
The midwife, Maria Margarita Rojas, 49, is accused of running three health clinics in northwest Houston, where she allegedly conducted illegal abortions, in violation of Texas law. Additionally, she is accused of employing individuals who falsely claimed to be licensed medical professionals. This marks the first criminal charge against a healthcare provider in Texas for performing an abortion since the state’s ban was implemented in 2022.
Rojas has been charged with a second-degree felony for the abortion offense, carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The charge related to practicing medicine without a license is a third-degree felony. Rojas and the clinics declined to comment, and she did not have legal representation listed in court documents.
Following a warrant issued by a district judge in Waller County, Rojas was arrested for conspiracy to commit practicing medicine and later charged with violating the Texas Occupations Code. After posting bail of $10,000, she was released. Subsequently, she was rearrested on charges related to performing abortions and violating occupational regulations.
Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore referred the case to the attorney general’s office, indicating that they expect prosecution by the state. The Texas law prohibiting abortion except in specific circumstances was enacted after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. Attorney General Paxton emphasized his commitment to upholding pro-life laws and prosecuting individuals who violate them, stating that the protection of life is paramount in Texas. He has also pursued legal action against abortion providers, aiming to ensure compliance with state regulations.
