The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has issued an emergency suspension of the midwife license held by Maria Margarita Rojas, following accusations that she performed illegal abortions and operated without a medical license at three clinics in the Houston area. According to FOX 26 Houston, Rojas, known as "Dr. Maria," has been charged with at least two counts of performing an illegal abortion and for practicing medicine without the proper credentials.
In an effort to immediately halt any possible threat to public health and safety, the state agency decided to swiftly suspend her license, pending the outcome of her criminal case. "The accusation that she practiced medicine without a license, including holding herself out as a gynecologist and making terminal medical decisions for pregnant clients, falls outside the scope of practice for midwives in Texas," the agency stated, as reported by KHOU 11. This legal move signals Texas' continued stringent enforcement of its restrictive abortion laws.
The investigation into Rojas began with an anonymous tip and involved surveillance as well as evidence gathering from clinic trash, as noted by KHOU 11. The inquiry uncovered that unlicensed personnel at Rojas' clinics allegedly posed as licensed medical professionals.
Court documents revealed a woman, after being informed she had a low chance of a successful pregnancy, was prescribed a medication abortion under the belief that Rojas was a licensed gynecologist. Defense attorney Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube expressed confidence that the process will eventually exonerate her client, asking the public "to reserve judgment and allow due process to unfold," as per a report by KHOU 11.
Bond has been set at high figures for Rojas and her co-accused, Jose Cendan Ley, with each count of performing an illegal abortion carrying a $500,000 bond, and $200,000 for each count of practicing medicine without a license. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for each count of providing an illegal abortion, alongside hefty civil penalties under the Texas Human Life Protection Act of 2021. The Attorney General's Office has also filed a temporary restraining order to shut down the clinics involved.
