Texas midwife arrested for performing abortions illegally
What's the story
A Houston-based midwife, Maria Margarita Rojas, has been arrested for allegedly performing illegal abortions and running unlicensed clinics.
Her arrest was announced by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Rojas, 48, has been charged with performing an illegal abortion and practicing medicine without a license—both serious offenses in Texas.
She is often called "Dr Maria."
Legal breach
Rojas allegedly violated Texas Human Life Protection Act
Rojas allegedly ran multiple clinics across Northwest Houston, where unqualified staff provided medical services and conducted abortions.
This violates the Texas Human Life Protection Act of 2021 which makes it illegal to perform abortions in the state.
Attorney General Paxton reiterated his vows of protecting unborn lives and enforcing pro-life laws, saying unlicensed people putting women's lives at risk through illegal abortions will be fully prosecuted.
Clinic closure
AG's office takes action against Rojas's clinics
Apart from the arrest, Paxton's office has also moved for a temporary restraining order to shut down Rojas's chain of clinics in Waller, Cypress, and Spring.
This is to ensure no further illegal activities are conducted.
Under Texas law, Paxton's office can levy fines of a minimum of $100,000 for each violation concerning unlawful abortion procedures.
Arrest details
Rojas arrested in Waller County, legal representation unclear
Rojas was arrested in Waller County, just north of Houston. The case was referred to Paxton's office by Waller County DA Sean Whittmore.
He said his belief that "every life is sacred" prompted him to bring the case to the AG's office.
Texas's abortion law, the strictest state measure at the time it went into effect on September 1, 2021, banned the practice once a fetal heartbeat was found, which was about five or six weeks.