Arrest of Houston-Area Midwife Sparks Controversy Over Abortion Laws
A Houston-area midwife has been arrested for allegedly providing illegal abortions, the Texas Attorney General announced Monday. The midwife, Maria Margarita Rojas, was charged with a second-degree felony for illegally performing an abortion, as well as illegally practicing medicine, according to AG Ken Paxton’s office. She was taken into custody in Waller County.
Charges and Background
Waller County court records show that Rojas was charged on March 12 with practicing medicine in violation of state law, a third-degree felony. The online Waller County court records did not show any additional charges on Monday afternoon. Rojas has a current midwife license, according to online licensure records, which she has held since 2018.
Rojas did not immediately respond on Monday afternoon to calls to clinics she has worked with. Her online court record did not indicate whether she has an attorney representing her. Rojas operates three clinics in the Houston area, Paxton’s office said in a news release. Paxton’s office accused the midwife of performing illegal abortions in her clinics and employing people who falsely presented themselves as licensed medical providers.
Seeking a Temporary Restraining Order
The Attorney General’s office is also seeking a temporary restraining order to shut down the three clinics, according to the news release. “Texas law holds abortion providers — not patients — criminally responsible for unlawful procedures,” the release said. The arrest of the Houston-area midwife comes a few months after Paxton sued a New York doctor who allegedly mailed abortion pills into Texas. A Texas judge handed down fines of more than $100,000 in that case.
Abortion Laws in Texas
Texas has one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country, prohibiting abortion in almost all cases, with no exceptions for early-stage pregnancies or for rape or incest. Under state law, performing an illegal abortion is a felony offense. Abortions are only permitted in Texas when a pregnant woman’s health or life is in danger, and medical providers have said that exception language is vague and confusing.
Prominent Texas politicians, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, have said they would consider clarifying the exception language so doctors can provide abortions when medically necessary. That clarification language would not expand abortion access, Patrick said. Republican state Sen. Bryan Hughes on Friday filed a bill that would clarify those exceptions.
Effort aims to make it easier for doctors to save a mother’s life when an abortion is medically necessary, Texas lawmakers say.
A total of three people have been arrested in connection with illegal abortions, according to AG Ken Paxton.
Conclusion
The arrest of the Houston-area midwife has sparked controversy over abortion laws in Texas. The state’s restrictive abortion ban has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that it puts women’s lives at risk. The case highlights the need for clarification on exception language, which would allow doctors to provide abortions when medically necessary. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the impact of these laws on women’s health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the charges against the Houston-area midwife?
A: The midwife, Maria Margarita Rojas, was charged with a second-degree felony for illegally performing an abortion and illegally practicing medicine.
Q: What is the current state of abortion laws in Texas?
A: Texas has one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country, prohibiting abortion in almost all cases, with no exceptions for early-stage pregnancies or for rape or incest.
Q: What is the exception language in Texas abortion laws?
A: Abortions are only permitted in Texas when a pregnant woman’s health or life is in danger. However, medical providers have said that this exception language is vague and confusing.
Q: What is being done to clarify the exception language?
A: Republican state Sen. Bryan Hughes has filed a bill that would clarify the exception language, allowing doctors to provide abortions when medically necessary.
Q: How many people have been arrested in connection with illegal abortions in Texas?
A: According to AG Ken Paxton, a total of three people have been arrested in connection with illegal abortions.
