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Appeals Court Overturns Closure Order for Midwife’s Clinics
A Texas appellate judge has set aside a temporary injunction that had forced the shutdown of several Houston-area medical facilities run by Maria Rojas, a midwife facing accusations of conducting unauthorized pregnancy terminations. Despite the reversal, legal representatives note that substantial harm has already occurred to her practice.
The 15th Court of Appeals ruled on Thursday that state prosecutors failed to present adequate proof to justify the March 2025 injunction originally granted in Waller County. According to the court’s written opinion, the lower court made an error by accepting probable-cause documents from a different but connected criminal proceeding. The remaining materials did not sufficiently demonstrate a likelihood of successful recovery.
Background on the Charges
Prosecutors under Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton brought allegations against Rojas last year, claiming she conducted pregnancy terminations without proper authorization and practiced healthcare without a license. Under Texas law, performing such procedures constitutes a second-degree felony, operating within a comprehensive prohibition that includes limited exceptions.
Rojas has become a notable figure in national news as the initial individual targeted through litigation under the Texas Human Life Protection Act, legislation that prohibits pregnancy terminations once a fetus reaches six weeks of development.
Legal Representation’s Perspective
“We conclude that the trial court improperly admitted probable-cause affidavits from a related but separate criminal case and that the remaining evidence is insufficient to reasonably support the existence of a probable right of recovery,” the memorandum opinion stated.
“The ruling this morning confirmed that the state presented no evidence that Ms. Rojas has done anything wrong,” Jenna Hudson, a lawyer with the Center for Reproductive Rights handling the civil matter, explained. Rojas maintains her innocence through a not-guilty plea.
Nevertheless, Hudson emphasized to CBS News that the practical consequences remain severe. The medical centers have shut their doors, and under current bond stipulations, Rojas cannot approach the clinic premises. These restrictions make reopening nearly impossible.
Impact on Medical Practice
Rojas managed three facilities across the Houston metropolitan area: Clinica Waller Latinoamericana located in Waller, Clinica Latinoamericana Telge situated in Cypress, and Latinoamericana Medical Clinic in Spring. Even though the higher court invalidated the injunction, Hudson believes professional recovery remains unlikely.
“The clinics have closed. As a practical matter, she likely cannot reopen them. She is prevented under the terms of her bond from going near the locations of the clinics,” Hudson told CBS News.
“She just doesn’t have a career anymore. She trained to be a midwife, for decades as a midwife, and as a result of the criminal charges against her and the civil case that we’re talking about here today, she can’t practice as a midwife anymore,” Hudson added. “She has lost access to her clinics; she’s not permitted to provide this care that she so desperately wants to provide and has drawn a lot of satisfaction out of providing.”
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The appellate court’s ruling returns the matter to the trial level, where state lawyers may pursue another temporary restraining order. Paxton’s office announced plans to challenge the recent decision by appealing to the Texas Supreme Court.
“Attorney General Paxton has secured bond conditions that protect Texas women from Maria Rojas’ illegal abortion scheme, which evidence shows included providing unqualified medical advice that led to vulnerable women aborting their babies,” the office stated. “To further ensure clarity in temporary injunction procedure in this and other cases, Attorney General Paxton intends to petition for review in the Texas Supreme Court.”
Rojas remains under house arrest while criminal proceedings continue. Nicole Hochglaube, who handles the criminal defense, reported that her client is enduring the situation despite being unable to work, describing the experience as particularly challenging. No trial date has yet been established for the criminal case.
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