Texas Midwife Maria Rojas' Clinics Shut Down as First Prosecution Under 2022 Abortion Ban Advances

A judge extended an injunction to close Rojas' clinics while criminal and civil cases proceed, marking a pivotal test of Texas' strict abortion laws.

Maria Margarita Rojas, a licensed midwife, is the first person prosecuted under Texas' 2022 abortion ban, facing charges of illegal abortion and practicing medicine without a license.
A Waller County judge extended an injunction on March 27, keeping Rojas' four clinics closed as civil lawsuits and criminal investigations continue.
Rojas invoked her Fifth Amendment rights over 200 times during a court hearing, refusing to answer questions about the allegations against her.
The Texas Attorney General's Office is seeking $100,000 per alleged abortion violation in civil court, in addition to pursuing criminal charges.
Rojas' clinics primarily served immigrant and underserved communities, raising concerns about the broader impact of abortion law enforcement on healthcare access.