- Authorities arrested a Texas midwife and her assistant for allegedly performing illegal abortions. Prosecutors also charged the two with practicing medicine without a license.
- Texas prohibits abortion except when it is essential to protect a pregnant person’s life.
- According to reports, it’s the first lawsuit against an abortion provider since the ban took effect in 2022.
Full story
A Texas midwife and her assistant face charges for reportedly performing illegal abortions at a Houston-area clinic.
According to The New York Times, they’re the first charges to be brought against an abortion provider under the state’s near total abortion ban.
What accusations are being made against them?
The state charged midwife Maria Margarita Rojas and her employee, Jose Ley, with practicing medicine without a license.
A second degree felony, the abortion charge could land them up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 each.
However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has the authority to seek a fine of at least $100,000 “per violation” under the Texas Human Life Protection Act, which passed shortly after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
What happened?
According to a news release from Paxton, Rojas identified herself as “Dr. Maria” and operated a network of clinics in the Houston area.
Court records alleged Rojas and Ley attempted an abortion on a person on two separate occasions in March 2025.
In its bail motion, the state said Rojas also performed an abortion earlier in 2025.
Authorities first arrested Rojas on March 6 for practicing medicine without a license. The court released her on a $10,000 bond.
However, police arrested her a second time on March 17, along with Ley, on another charge of practicing medicine without a license as well as performing illegal abortions.
What’s Texas’ law on abortion?
Texas prohibits abortion except when it is essential to protect a pregnant person’s life.
The law does not allow for the person who terminates their pregnancy to be prosecuted, only the abortion providers.
Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
In his press release, 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. Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable.”
