Arrests Made in Connection with Illegal Abortions in Texas
Texas authorities have arrested a midwife and a medical assistant in connection with performing illegal abortions and running unlicensed clinics across multiple Houston locations. According to Attorney General Ken Paxton, the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into illegal abortions and unlicensed medical practices.
The Accused
Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, a 29-year-old medical assistant at Clinica Waller Latinoamericana in Waller, Texas, has been arrested and charged with the unlawful performance of an abortion and practicing medicine without a license. Ley, a Cuban national who entered the United States illegally in 2022, is accused of performing illegal abortions and aiding Maria Margarita Rojas, who was arrested the day before.
Unlicensed Clinics
Rojas, 48, also known as “Dr. Maria,” was arrested in Waller County on March 16 for performing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without a license. The investigation revealed that Rojas operated multiple clinics under different names, including Clinica Waller Latinoamericana, Clinica Latinoamericana Telge in Cypress, and Latinoamericana Medical Clinic in Spring. Rojas allegedly employed unlicensed individuals posing as medical professionals and conducted abortion procedures in violation of the Texas Human Life Protection Act.
Additional Arrests
Along with Ley’s arrest, Paxton’s office confirmed that Rubildo Labanino Matos, 54, was arrested on March 8 after returning to the U.S. from Cuba. Matos, a nurse practitioner whose license is currently under probation by the Board of Nursing, is charged with conspiracy to practice medicine without a license.
Investigation and Penalties
The investigation, which remains ongoing, was conducted by Paxton’s Law Enforcement Division. The Attorney General’s office has filed for a temporary restraining order to shut down Rojas’s network of clinics and is seeking civil penalties of at least $100,000 per violation for unlawful abortion procedures. In Texas, abortion providers, not patients, are held criminally responsible for performing illegal abortion procedures.
Conclusion
The arrests and ongoing investigation highlight the efforts of Texas authorities to enforce the state’s pro-life laws and protect the lives of unborn babies. As Attorney General Paxton stated, “Individuals killing unborn babies by performing illegal abortions in Texas will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and I will not rest until justice is served.” The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and ensuring that medical practices are conducted safely and legally.
