Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the arrest of Maria Margarita Rojas for providing illegal abortions and operating a network of clinics without proper licensing in the Northwest Houston area. Known as "Dr. Maria," Rojas was taken into custody in Waller County and charged with performing illegal abortions, a second-degree felony, and practicing medicine without a license.
“In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our state’s pro-life laws, and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted,” stated Attorney General Paxton. “Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable.”
An investigation by Paxton’s Law Enforcement Division found that Rojas operated multiple clinics under different names in Waller, Cypress, and Spring. These facilities employed unlicensed individuals who falsely claimed to be licensed medical professionals. Rojas allegedly performed illegal abortion procedures at these clinics, violating the Texas Human Life Protection Act.
Attorney General Paxton’s Healthcare Program Enforcement Division has filed for a temporary restraining order to shut down Rojas's clinic network to prevent further illegal activities. The Texas Human Life Protection Act of 2021 allows the Attorney General to seek civil penalties of at least $100,000 per violation for unlawful abortion practices. The case was referred to Attorney General Paxton by Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore.
Under Texas law, criminal responsibility for unlawful abortion procedures lies with providers rather than patients.