(Texas Right to Life) Maria Margarita Rojas was seen as a seemingly Pro-Life Houston midwife, delivering hundreds of precious babies. But behind closed doors, “Dr. Rojas” was running a secret operation—illegally killing preborn children under a fake medical license.
The birth center where she works describes her as “a health care professional who cares for mothers and newborns around childbirth.” Rojas is known for her “empathy and warmth service…” However, that was before the tragic discovery of her three illegal death mills across Houston.
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Uncovering the truth
The investigation into Rojas’ actions began in January, when an anonymous complaint was filed, accusing her clinics of performing abortions “for some side money.” The whistleblower alleged that at least two abortions had taken place at the Waller facility, neither of which were due to serious medical complications.
Following the complaint, the Waller County District Attorney, Sean Whittmore, referred the case to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. He then launched an undercover operation, sending investigators to monitor Rojas’ businesses. Over the course of several weeks, they observed alarming activity—patients arriving in distress, employees treating patients without proper medical credentials, and financial records linking Rojas to her unlicensed staff.
On March 3, an investigator witnessed a young couple enter one of Rojas’ clinics. After some time, Rojas arrived, and when the couple left, it was clear the woman was experiencing pregnancy-related pain. Days later, authorities tracked down the woman, identified in court records as “E.G.,” who confirmed that Rojas had attempted an abortion on her twice.
E.G., who had recently delivered twins via C-section, sought medical care at Rojas’ clinic on the recommendation of her doctor in Mexico. There, employees misrepresented Rojas as a doctor, and after an ultrasound and blood test, Rojas told the mother that her pregnancy was “likely non-viable.” Allegedly, she only had a 9% chance of a successful pregnancy. Trusting this false medical advice, E.G. agreed to take medication, which she did not know would be illegal abortion pills. Rojas provided an abortion pill, Misoprostol, and “another pill.” However, this was not the last time she visited the clinic. E.G. returned due to bleeding, where she was allegedly given more Misoprostol and another pill to cause dilation.
Devastated, the woman told investigators she would have continued her pregnancy if not for Rojas’ false diagnosis. She and her husband had even purchased a new car to accommodate their growing family—a family that is now missing a precious member.
Authorities take action
On March 5, the attorney general’s office secured arrest warrants for Maria Margarita Rojas and two of her accomplices, Labanino Matos and Jose Manuel Cendan Ley, on charges of practicing medicine without a license. During the raid, investigators discovered misoprostol, a common abortion-inducing drug, alongside ultrasound machines, forceps, and other medical equipment.
Rojas has since been formally charged with:
🔹 The illegal performance of an abortion (a second-degree felony)
🔹 Practicing medicine without a license (a third-degree felony)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made it clear that violations of Texas’ Pro-Life laws will not be tolerated:
“In Texas, life is sacred. I will always do everything in my power to protect the unborn, defend our state’s Pro-Life laws, and work to ensure that unlicensed individuals endangering the lives of women by performing illegal abortions are fully prosecuted. Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable.”
Who is Maria Margarita Rojas?
Rojas, 49, is a licensed midwife in Cypress, Texas, originally from Peru. While she claims to have been involved in medical care since she was 16 years old, her only recognized credential in Texas is her midwifery license, granted in 2018. According to one of her clinic websites, she has assisted with over 700 births.
Despite her midwife background, Rojas was never licensed to perform any medical procedures. Yet, investigators found she had built a network of three clinics disguised as medical facilities—all while paying unlicensed staff, including Matos and Ley, to assist her. These clinics are located in Cypress, Spring, and Waller.
Waller County court records show Rojas was arrested on March 6 and she was released on bond the next day. A second arrest took place on March 17 where she was held in Waller County jail on a $1.4 million bond. However, Rojas has since posted bond and has to obtain an ankle monitor.
The fight for justice continues
While the court has ordered Rojas’ clinics to shut down as the trial progresses, this case highlights the ongoing dangers of the underground abortion industry. Without legal protections, preborn children are unlawfully killed–all while countless women could fall victim to unlicensed, unregulated procedures.
Tweet This: The Maria Margarita Rojas illegal abortion case highlights the ongoing dangers of the underground abortion industry.
Not only was catching and stopping Rojas and her accomplices a huge victory for Life, but one of the attorneys who presented this case before the judge is a former student in Texas Right to Life’s scholarship programs! This shows how your support of Texas Right to Life is building the next generation of leaders fighting for justice!
This is why we must remain vigilant. Illegal abortionists will continue to prey on women and the unborn unless we take action. Killing babies should never be a viable option to make some “side money.” Join us in prayer for all who have been affected by this horrific scandal, that God would draw near and heal them.
Editor's note: This article was published by Texas Right to Life and is reprinted with permission.
