Texas law enforcement has busted what they’re calling an illegal “back-alley” abortion network operating across Houston. Three individuals now face serious charges as the state continues its strong enforcement of pro-life laws protecting the unborn.
At a glance:
- Three individuals arrested in Texas for operating an illegal abortion network in Houston
- Maria “Dr. Maria” Rojas and Jose Ley charged with performing prohibited dismemberment abortions and practicing medicine without licenses
- Rubildo Matos arrested for conspiracy to practice medicine without a license
- Ley reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 from Cuba
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton vows to prosecute violators of state pro-life laws “to the full extent of the law”
Underground Abortion Network Dismantled
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the arrests of three individuals allegedly involved in running an underground abortion network across Houston. The operation targeted a woman known as “Dr. Maria” and two associates who allegedly performed illegal abortions despite lacking medical licenses.
Maria Margarita Rojas faces charges of prohibited dismemberment abortion and practicing medicine without a license, with authorities setting high bond amounts for each charge. Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, identified as a Cuban national who entered the United States illegally in 2022, was also arrested on similar charges.
A third individual, Rubildo Labanino Matos, faces charges for conspiracy to practice medicine without a license as part of the same network. Texas officials have obtained a temporary restraining order to shut down multiple clinics allegedly operated by Rojas throughout the Houston area.
Texas Takes Strong Stand for Life
“Individuals killing unborn babies by performing illegal abortions in Texas will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and I will not rest until justice is served,” Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a press release. “I will continue to fight to protect life and work to ensure that anyone guilty of violating our state’s pro-life laws is held accountable.”
The investigation revealed that Rojas operated multiple clinics under the Clinicas Latinoamericanas network, which reportedly employed unlicensed individuals to perform illegal procedures.
Paxton’s office clarified that Texas law holds abortion providers criminally responsible for unlawful procedures, not patients. This case is another example of Texas authorities enforcing the state’s comprehensive pro-life legislation passed after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
This isn’t the first time Texas has taken legal action against those violating its abortion laws. The state has also sued Dr. Margaret Daley Carpenter for prescribing abortion pills to a Texas woman.
Lawmakers Praise Enforcement of Life-Saving Laws
Texas has been at the forefront of protecting unborn children through legislation, with data showing significantly reduced abortion numbers in 2024. Nevertheless, abortion advocates continue to challenge the state’s pro-life laws, but officials say they are steadfastly committed to defending the unborn.
In 2021, Texas banned abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. A prohibition on all abortions came into effect the following year.
