A second arrest has been made in connection to a Texas midwife accused of performing illegal abortions at multiple clinics outside Houston.
Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, 29, a medical assistant, was charged with performing an illegal abortion and practicing medicine without a license. His arrest is tied to Maria Margarita Rojas, 48, who was taken into custody earlier this week for allegedly operating three illegal abortion clinics in the Houston area.
Ley was first arrested on March 6, released on bond, and re-arrested on Monday, according to court records. Rojas’ case marks the first time criminal charges have been filed under Texas’ near-total abortion ban.
According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the investigation revealed that Ley worked as a medical assistant at one of Rojas’ clinics and performed at least one abortion illegally. Additionally, authorities arrested Rubildo Labanino Matos, 54, for practicing medicine without a license in connection to the case.
Legal Implications
Texas law bans abortions at all stages of pregnancy, except in life-threatening medical emergencies. Convictions for illegal abortions can result in up to 20 years in prison, while practicing medicine without a license carries a 10-year prison sentence.
AG Ken Paxton vowed to fully prosecute anyone violating the state’s strict pro-life laws. “Individuals killing unborn babies by performing illegal abortions in Texas will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he stated.
Neither Ley nor Rojas had attorneys listed in court records to comment on their behalf.
Wider Impact
Texas has some of the strictest abortion laws in the U.S., and opponents argue the ban is too vague regarding medical exceptions. A state lawmaker has introduced legislation aimed at clarifying these exceptions.
This case follows a Louisiana grand jury indictment earlier this year of a New York doctor accused of illegally prescribing abortion pills online—a sign that authorities in multiple states are aggressively enforcing abortion restrictions.
