Maria Margarita Rojas, a licensed midwife in Texas, has had her license suspended after being accused of performing illegal abortions and practicing medicine without a license at three clinics in the Houston area. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued an emergency suspension order while criminal and civil cases move forward.
The 48-year-old woman is facing a felony charge for the illegal performance of an abortion, as well as separate allegations of unlawfully practicing medicine at clinics she operated in Spring, Cypress, and Waller.
TDLR’s Emergency Suspension
On March 25, the TDLR issued a public statement confirming the emergency license suspension, citing concern for public safety:
“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 department emphasized that the suspension is a precautionary step while criminal proceedings unfold, aimed at protecting potential patients from further harm.
Criminal and Civil Legal Action
In addition to the criminal charges, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit to permanently shut down the three clinics. Paxton’s office accuses Rojas of violating Texas’ strict abortion laws, which now prohibit almost all abortions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Practicing medicine without a license is a serious offense in Texas and could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, if Rojas is convicted.
Defense Pushes Back
Rojas’ attorney, Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube, issued a strong statement in response to the suspension and criminal accusations:
“Our client, a respected member of the community, is being subjected to a campaign of sensationalism and politicization. Before any charges have been filed, her reputation is being tarnished by innuendo and speculation. She is a citizen presumed innocent under the laws of our great nation.”
The defense team is urging the public to reserve judgment and to allow the legal process to play out, expressing confidence that Rojas will ultimately be exonerated.
Scope of Practice for Midwives in Texas
Midwives in Texas are permitted to provide prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, but they are not allowed to perform abortions or practice medicine, such as making diagnoses or conducting surgical procedures. According to the TDLR, the activities Rojas is accused of go far beyond what a midwife is legally permitted to do in the state.
What Happens Next?
Rojas’ clinics remain under scrutiny, and it is expected that further legal action from the attorney general’s office will follow. The criminal case could take months to resolve, but until then, the TDLR’s suspension will remain in place.
If convicted, Rojas could lose her license permanently, in addition to facing serious legal consequences.
The case against Maria Margarita Rojas highlights the intense legal scrutiny surrounding reproductive healthcare services in Texas.
As the legal proceedings develop, both supporters and critics await further details on what occurred inside her clinics. Until then, the public is urged to allow the judicial system to determine the facts.