Texas Enforces Abortion Ban with Arrests and Clinic Closures

Three individuals face charges, and three clinics are shut down in the first major enforcement of Texas' near-total abortion ban.

María Margarita Rojas, accused of leading the Latin American Clinic Network, was arrested for performing illegal abortions and unlicensed medical practices.
Two others, José Manuel Cendan Ley and Rubildo Labanino Matos, were also arrested and charged with related offenses, including practicing medicine without a license.
Three clinics northwest of Houston, serving primarily Hispanic communities, were shut down under a temporary restraining order to prevent further alleged illegal activity.
The arrests and closures mark the first significant enforcement actions under the Texas Human Life Protection Act, which classifies abortion as a second-degree felony.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared the actions a victory in upholding the state's strict anti-abortion laws, which carry severe penalties for violations.