Arrests Made in Connection with Illegal Abortions in Texas
Two additional people have been arrested in connection with an investigation into illegal abortions provided at clinics near Houston, the Texas Attorney General announced on Tuesday morning.
On Monday, Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office announced the arrest of Houston-area midwife Maria Margarita Rojas. She was charged with providing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without a license, according to an official statement. She operates several clinics in the Houston area.
The two additional arrests announced Tuesday were in connection with the same investigation, according to the Attorney General’s announcement.
Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, who worked with Rojas, was charged with illegally providing an abortion and practicing medicine without a license, according to the announcement.
Charges and Investigation
Waller County online court records show charges for third-degree felonies of “practicing medicine in violation of” the state’s health professions regulations, against both Rojas and Ley. That set of regulations is separate from the state’s abortion regulations.
As of Tuesday morning, the online court records did not show any additional charges against either Rojas or Ley. Violation of Texas’ abortion ban is a first- or second-degree felony.
Calls to the clinics operated by Rojas were not returned on Tuesday morning. At least two of the clinics appeared to have their phone lines disconnected. Online court records did not indicate Tuesday morning whether Rojas or Ley are represented by attorneys.
The third person arrested was charged with conspiracy to practice medicine without a license, according to the Attorney General’s announcement. Waller County online court records did not show any charges against that person as of Tuesday morning.
Abortion Laws in Texas
Texas has among the most restrictive abortion bans in the country. Under state law, abortions are permitted only when the life of the pregnant woman is in danger, with no exceptions for early-stage pregnancies or for rape or incest.
Staff writer Imelda García contributed to this report.
Other News from Texas
The state has seen more measles cases in the last couple months than in any full year since 1992.
The outbreak is the state’s largest in decades. Stay up to date with case counts here.
In an interview with an anti-vaccine advocacy group, the parents of the Texas child who died with measles say they still don’t support the vaccine.
Conclusion
The recent arrests in connection with illegal abortions in Texas highlight the ongoing controversy and debate surrounding abortion laws in the state. With some of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country, Texas continues to be a focal point in the national discussion on reproductive rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the current abortion laws in Texas?
A: In Texas, abortions are permitted only when the life of the pregnant woman is in danger, with no exceptions for early-stage pregnancies or for rape or incest.
Q: Who was arrested in connection with the investigation into illegal abortions?
A: Maria Margarita Rojas, a Houston-area midwife, and Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, who worked with Rojas, were arrested and charged with providing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without a license. A third person was also arrested and charged with conspiracy to practice medicine without a license.
Q: What is the status of the measles outbreak in Texas?
A: The state has seen more measles cases in the last couple months than in any full year since 1992, with a total of 327 cases and 40 hospitalizations reported.
