Texas woman charged with performing illegal abortions
A midwife in the Houston area has recently been arrested for allegedly providing illegal abortions, marking the first such arrest under Texas’ near-total abortion ban. Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, also known as “Dr. Maria,” is facing charges for the illegal performance of an abortion, a second-degree felony, as well as practicing medicine without a license, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Paxton emphasized the sanctity of life in Texas, stating, “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.”
Rojas allegedly ran a network of clinics in the Houston suburbs of Waller, Cypress, and Spring, where unlicensed individuals posed as licensed medical professionals. These clinics were found to be unlawfully providing abortion services in violation of the Texas Human Life Protection Act of 2021.
Under this law, abortions are prohibited in Texas except in cases where the life of the pregnant woman is at risk. The responsibility for illegal procedures falls on abortion providers rather than the patients themselves. Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore referred the case to Paxton’s office, leading to Rojas’ arrest.
The Healthcare Program Enforcement Division of the Attorney General’s Office has also filed for a temporary restraining order to shut down the clinics where the alleged illegal abortions took place. This enforcement action aims to hold accountable those who violate Texas laws protecting the sanctity of life.
It is crucial to uphold the laws that safeguard the lives of both unborn children and pregnant women. By prosecuting individuals like Rojas who engage in illegal abortion practices, Texas is sending a strong message about the importance of respecting the value of every life. The efforts to enforce these laws demonstrate the state’s commitment to protecting the rights of the unborn and ensuring the safety of women seeking medical care.
The case of Maria Margarita Rojas serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle to uphold pro-life legislation and prevent illegal abortion practices. By taking decisive action against those who violate these laws, Texas is working to create a culture that prioritizes the protection of life at all stages.
