Texas authorities have arrested three individuals accused of running an illegal abortion network in Houston, highlighting serious concerns about underground medical procedures that put women’s health at risk.
Quick Takes
- Maria Rojas (known as “Dr. Maria”), Jose Ley, and Rubildo Matos were arrested for allegedly operating illegal abortion clinics across Houston
- Charges include performing prohibited dismemberment abortions and practicing medicine without a license
- Ley is a Cuban national who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton obtained a temporary restraining order to shut down the clinic network
- Texas law holds abortion providers, not patients, criminally responsible for unlawful procedures
Underground Abortion Network Dismantled
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the arrests of three individuals accused of operating an illegal abortion network throughout the Houston area. Maria Margarita Rojas, known to clients as “Dr. Maria,” was arrested on charges of providing illegal abortions and operating a network of clinics without proper medical licensing. Jose Manuel Cendan Ley faces similar charges for performing unlawful abortions and practicing medicine without a license, while Rubildo Labanino Matos was arrested for conspiracy to practice medicine without a license. The operation represents one of the largest crackdowns on illegal abortion services since Texas strengthened its abortion restrictions.
The investigation revealed that Rojas operated multiple clinics under the name “Clinicas Latinoamericanas” that employed unlicensed individuals to perform medical procedures, including illegal abortions. These clinics reportedly targeted vulnerable populations by offering services without requiring medical insurance or proper identification. Authorities have obtained a temporary restraining order to shut down Rojas’s network of clinics while the investigation continues. Rojas faces serious charges for prohibited dismemberment abortion and practicing medicine without a license, with substantial bond amounts set for each charge.
Illegal Entry and Unlicensed Practice
Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, one of the key figures in this illegal operation, entered the United States illegally in 2022 according to officials. Despite having no medical license or legal status to practice medicine in Texas, Ley allegedly performed abortion procedures at these underground clinics. The case highlights growing concerns about unlicensed individuals performing complex medical procedures without proper training or oversight, especially in communities where patients may be reluctant to seek care through traditional medical channels due to immigration status, language barriers, or financial constraints.
“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 Clinicas Latinoamericanas network reportedly operated with minimal oversight and without adherence to standard medical protocols. Health officials have expressed concern about the potential risks to women who received care at these facilities, including possible infections, complications, and long-term health consequences from procedures performed in substandard conditions by unqualified personnel. Authorities are encouraging anyone who received services at these clinics to seek proper medical evaluation from licensed healthcare providers.
Legal Context and Prior Enforcement
This case follows previous enforcement actions by Texas officials against abortion providers operating outside state law. In one notable case, Texas sued Dr. Margaret Daley Carpenter for prescribing abortion medication to a Texas woman, resulting in significant fines and legal consequences. Texas has enacted some of the nation’s most restrictive abortion laws, which have led to a significant reduction in legal abortions performed in the state. According to officials, the state recorded historically low numbers of abortions in 2024 following these legislative changes.
“Texas law holds abortion providers — not patients — criminally responsible for unlawful procedures,” the release said. – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
The arrests highlight the ongoing challenges faced by state authorities in enforcing abortion restrictions while also raising questions about underground networks that emerge in response to such restrictions. Health experts note that illegal abortion clinics often lack proper sanitation, emergency protocols, and qualified staff, creating significant health risks. The case underscores the complex intersection of law enforcement, healthcare regulation, and public safety concerns surrounding reproductive health services in states with strict abortion limitations.
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
