Texas AG Paxton announces woman charged, arrested for allegedly providing illegal abortions

Texas GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton says authorities have arrested and charged a woman for allegedly providing illegal abortions through a network of clinics the Houston area.

“In Texas, life is sacred," he said in a statement Monday. "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."

Paxton identified the person charged as Maria Margarita Rojas, 48. He said she has been charged in connection with the illegal performance of an abortion, a second-degree felony, as well as practicing medicine without a license.

Rojas allegedly provided the abortions through a network of clinics in the northwest Houston area.

Paxton also said that an investigation would be taking place into the clinics Rojas owned that unlawfully employed people who didn't have a medical license. 

“Texas law protecting life is clear, and we will hold those who violate it accountable," Paxton said.

Texas has one of the strictest abortion bans in the U.S. There are exceptions such as life of the mother or incest.