Three individuals in Texas face severe charges for operating an illegal abortion network in Houston with multiple clinics staffed by unlicensed practitioners.
Key Insights
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the arrests of Maria Margarita Rojas (known as “Dr. Maria”), Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, and Rubildo Labanino Matos for operating an illegal abortion network in Houston.
- Rojas faces charges for prohibited dismemberment abortion and practicing medicine without a license, with substantial bond amounts set.
- Ley, who authorities say entered the U.S. illegally in 2022, is charged with performing unlawful abortions and practicing medicine without a license.
- Texas law holds abortion providers—not patients—criminally responsible for unlawful procedures.
- A temporary restraining order has been filed to shut down Rojas’s network of clinics, which employed unlicensed individuals.
Illegal Abortion Network Uncovered in Houston
Texas authorities have dismantled what they describe as an elaborate illegal abortion operation in the Houston area. Maria Margarita Rojas, known to clients as “Dr. Maria,” was arrested for allegedly operating multiple unlicensed clinics providing prohibited abortion services. Jose Manuel Cendan Ley and Rubildo Labanino Matos were also apprehended in connection with the operation. The Attorney General’s office has taken swift action, filing a temporary restraining order to shut down the network of clinics associated with Rojas.
According to officials, Rojas operated Clinicas Latinoamericanas, a network that offered services without requiring medical insurance—a detail that investigators believe helped target vulnerable populations. The clinics allegedly employed individuals without proper medical credentials, putting patients at significant risk. This case represents one of the most substantial enforcement actions since Texas enacted stricter abortion regulations in recent years.
Serious Charges and Immigration Concerns
Rojas faces multiple serious charges including prohibited dismemberment abortion and practicing medicine without a license. Court records indicate that substantial bond amounts have been set for each charge, reflecting the gravity of the alleged offenses. The case has drawn additional attention because Ley, a Cuban national, allegedly entered the United States illegally in 2022 before participating in the abortion operation.
“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,” 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.” – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
The third individual arrested, Rubildo Labanino Matos, faces charges of conspiracy to practice medicine without a license. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full extent of his involvement in the operation but indicate he played a supporting role in the illegal network. All three defendants are expected to face significant penalties under Texas law, which has some of the strictest regulations on abortion in the nation.
Texas Abortion Enforcement Precedent
This case is not the first time Texas has pursued legal action against abortion providers operating outside state law. Previously, authorities sued Dr. Margaret Daley Carpenter for prescribing abortion medication to a Texas woman, resulting in fines and other legal consequences. The Attorney General’s office emphasized that Texas law holds abortion providers—not patients—criminally responsible for unlawful procedures, and that prosecutorial focus remains on those performing or facilitating illegal abortions.
“Texas law holds abortion providers — not patients — criminally responsible for unlawful procedures,” the release said. – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Since implementing stronger protections for unborn children, Texas has reported significantly reduced abortion numbers in 2024. The state’s approach to enforcement has focused on providers while ensuring women seeking abortions are not criminally charged. This case highlights the continued tension between state abortion regulations and underground operations attempting to circumvent those laws, raising concerns about both medical safety and legal compliance.
Sources:
- 3 Arrested In Texas For Running Illegal Back-Alley Abortion Ring
- Texas officials announce third arrest in illegal abortion case involving Houston-area woman
