Houston Midwife Charged with Conducting Illegal Abortions Amid Controversy

A Houston-area midwife, Maria Margarita Rojas, has been arrested for allegedly performing illegal abortions under Texas’ near-total abortion ban. This marks the first criminal charges filed since the law was enacted. The arrest was announced by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on March 17, 2025.

Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, faces serious allegations regarding her practices as a midwife. According to Attorney General Ken Paxton’s announcement, she performed illegal abortion procedures at her clinics located in Waller, Cypress, and Spring. These actions are classified as second-degree felonies which can result in up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. Additionally, Rojas is accused of practicing medicine without a license and employing unlicensed staff who misrepresented themselves as qualified medical professionals.

The investigation into Rojas began after Paxton’s office alerted local authorities about potential violations of Texas law concerning abortion services. Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore confirmed that he has invited state prosecutors to take over the case due to its significance. More charges against Rojas are anticipated as the case progresses to a grand jury for consideration of indictment.

• Rojas charged with illegal performance of an abortion.
• Practicing medicine without a license also cited.
• Potential penalties include up to 20 years in prison.

Texas law strictly prohibits abortions except when necessary to save the life of the pregnant individual. Notably, individuals who terminate their pregnancies cannot be prosecuted under this legislation. In response to these developments, Paxton emphasized his commitment to enforcing pro-life laws and prosecuting those who violate them. Community members have expressed shock at Rojas’ arrest; one colleague described her as dedicated and skilled in providing care primarily for low-income Spanish-speaking families.

The arrest of Maria Margarita Rojas highlights ongoing legal challenges surrounding abortion access in Texas amid strict regulations. As the case unfolds with potential further charges pending from local authorities, it raises critical discussions about healthcare practices within marginalized communities.