Major Crackdown on Illegal Abortions in Houston Results in Multiple Indictments
A major crackdown on illegal abortion activities in the Houston area has resulted in multiple indictments. Maria Margarita Rojas, 49, is at the centre of the investigation, having been arrested in March for illegally performing abortions and practicing medicine without a license. She is the first person charged under Texas' new law since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Rojas owned and operated several clinics under various names, including Clinica Waller Latinoamericana and Latinoamericana Medical Clinic. Authorities allege that she employed unlicensed individuals who posed as licensed medical professionals. These clinics performed elective abortions, violating the Texas Human Life Protection Act. Since the law's enactment in August 2022, no elective abortions have been reported to the state.
A Waller County grand jury has indicted Rojas on 15 felony counts of illegally performing abortions and 12 counts of practicing medicine without a license. The indictment follows the arrest of eight others for practicing medicine without a license, who authorities say worked with Rojas. Additionally, another eight individuals, including foreign nationals, have been indicted in connection with the illegal abortion scheme. However, it's noted that there is no available information about specific individuals being investigated but not arrested for illegal abortion-related activities in the Houston area.
The indictments highlight the seriousness of the illegal abortion activities in the Houston area and the state's commitment to enforcing its new laws. Rojas' case marks a significant development since Roe v. Wade was overturned, with no elective abortions reported to the state since the law's enactment.
