A Texas appeals court is set to hear arguments in a high-profile civil case involving a Houston-area midwife accused of violating the state’s strict abortion ban — a case that also carries serious criminal charges.
State officials allege that Maria Margarita Rojas provided illegal abortion services and practiced medicine without a license at multiple clinics in northwest Houston. The lawsuit was filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Clinics Shut Down After Lower Court Ruling
Last year, a Waller County judge issued an injunction against Rojas and three clinics she allegedly operated, forcing them to close. Attorneys with the Center for Reproductive Rights are now asking the appellate court to overturn that decision, arguing the state failed to prove abortions occurred.
Rojas’ legal team says investigators only found the medication misoprostol — a drug used both in abortion care and miscarriage treatment — and did not locate mifepristone or surgical equipment typically associated with abortion procedures.
Criminal Charges Could Carry Life Sentence
Separate from the civil case, prosecutors have charged Rojas with a first-degree felony for allegedly violating Texas’ abortion ban, which could result in a life prison sentence if convicted. Her attorneys argue the investigation lacked medical expertise and was politically motivated.
According to her legal team, the case has had severe personal consequences: Rojas was arrested twice, spent 10 days in jail, posted a $1.4 million bond, and now wears an ankle monitor. Her midwifery license has also been temporarily suspended while criminal proceedings continue.
Impact on Patients and Texas Abortion Law
Supporters say the case has disrupted care for many low-income, Spanish-speaking patients who relied on Rojas for prenatal and midwifery services.
Texas law currently bans most abortions except in limited medical emergencies under the Human Life Protection Act. The appeal is being closely watched because it represents one of the first criminal prosecutions of an alleged abortion provider in the state since abortion rights were overturned nationwide.
What Happens Next
The appellate court’s decision could determine whether the clinics remain closed and may influence the broader legal landscape for abortion enforcement in Texas as criminal proceedings move forward.
For more on this case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.