Key Takeaways:
- Two Houston-area clinic employees face charges for performing illegal abortions.
- This is the first case under Texas’s near-total abortion ban.
- The suspects include a midwife and her employee.
- They also face charges for practicing medicine without a license.
Breaking News: First Criminal Charges Filed Under Texas Abortion Law
In a groundbreaking case, two employees at a Houston-area clinic have been arrested and charged for allegedly performing illegal abortions. This marks the first criminal charges under Texas’s strict abortion ban, which went into effect in 2025.
What Happened?
The suspects, Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, and Jose Ley, her employee, were taken into custody. Rojas, who called herself “Dr. Maria,” ran several clinics in Waller, Cypress, and Spring. Authorities claim these clinics illegally allowed unlicensed individuals to pose as medical professionals.
According to court documents, Rojas and Ley attempted an abortion on a patient, E.G., twice in March. Rojas is also accused of performing another abortion in Harris County earlier this year.
The state has charged both suspects with performing an illegal abortion, a second-degree felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. They also face charges for practicing medicine without a license.
The Legal Process
Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore explained that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office brought the case to his attention. While the Attorney General’s office doesn’t prosecute cases independently, Whittmore invited them to handle this one. Whittmore, a former assistant attorney general, was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in December 2023.
The case will now go to a grand jury for possible indictment. A Waller County judge set their bonds at $500,000 for the abortion-related charges and an additional $200,000 for the medical license charges.
The Law in Texas
Abortion in Texas is illegal except in very specific cases to save the life of the pregnant person. However, the law does not punish the person who had the abortion, only those who perform it.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said, “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.”
Reactions to the Arrests
Calls to Rojas’ clinics went unanswered Monday. Holly Shearman, a midwife who worked with Rojas at Tomball Birth Center, expressed shock at the news. She described Rojas as a devout Catholic and a skilled midwife who provided care to a mostly Spanish-speaking, low-income community.
“I don’t believe it for one second,” Shearman said. “I’ve known her for eight years and have never heard her talk about anything like this. I just can’t picture Maria being involved in something like this.”
What’s Next?
This case is the first of its kind under Texas’s near-total abortion ban. It highlights the state’s commitment to enforcing its strict pro-life laws. As the case moves forward, it will likely draw attention from both supporters and opponents of the abortion ban.
For now, Rojas and Ley remain in custody, facing serious charges that could change their lives forever. This case is a significant moment in the debate over abortion rights in Texas and beyond.