Texas appeals court reverses injunction that closed clinics owned by midwife accused of performing abortions
Texas Appeals Court Reverses Injunction in Midwife Clinic Case
Bizeconanalysis.com – The Texas appeals court reverses injunction that closed several Houston-area clinics owned by Maria Rojas, a midwife accused of performing unauthorized abortions. A judicial decision handed down on Thursday overturned the closure order, though Rojas's legal team maintains that significant damage has already been done to her professional reputation and business operations. The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding reproductive healthcare access in Texas.
Appellate Court Decision Explained
The 15th Court of Appeals determined that the state failed to present adequate proof to justify the injunction originally granted in Waller County during March of 2025. The Texas appeals court reverses injunction based on findings that the trial court erred by admitting probable-cause affidavits connected to a separate criminal proceeding. According to the court's memorandum opinion, the remaining evidence did not sufficiently establish a probable right of recovery for the state.
This decision by the Texas appeals court reverses injunction represents an important precedent for how appellate courts evaluate evidence in civil injunction cases. The judges emphasized that the burden of proof rests heavily on the party seeking to restrict business operations through court orders.
Background and Legal Context
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's legal team brought accusations against Rojas last year, alleging she performed abortions without proper authorization and practiced medicine without holding a valid license. Under Texas law, conducting an abortion constitutes a second-degree felony. The state maintains a stringent prohibition on the procedure, though limited exceptions exist for certain medical emergencies.
Rojas has become a figure of national interest because she represents the first individual to face civil litigation under the Texas Human Life Protection Act. This legislation prohibits abortion procedures once a pregnancy reaches six weeks of development. The Texas appeals court reverses injunction in this landmark case, setting the stage for further legal proceedings.
"The decision confirmed the state failed to present any evidence demonstrating that Rojas committed wrongdoing," said Jenna Hudson, an attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights who represents Rojas in the civil matter.
Impact on Clinics and Future Proceedings
Nevertheless, Hudson expressed concern that the damage to Rojas's professional life is substantial. The clinics have shut down their doors, and practically speaking, reopening them appears unlikely. Additionally, bond conditions prohibit Rojas from approaching the locations where her clinics were situated. The Texas appeals court reverses injunction, but the practical consequences remain significant for the midwife and her patients.
Rojas managed several medical facilities in the Houston region, including Clinica Waller Latinoamericana located in Waller, Clinica Latinoamericana Telge in Cypress, and Latinoamericana Medical Clinic in Spring. The temporary restraining order issued by Waller County effectively closed all of these establishments. Even though the higher court struck down the injunction, Hudson believes Rojas will struggle to rebuild her professional life.
"She just doesn't have a career anymore," Hudson explained. "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." She added that Rojas has lost access to her clinics and cannot provide the care she deeply wishes to offer, care that has brought her considerable satisfaction over the years.
What Comes Next
The 15th Court of Appeals' ruling returns the matter to the trial court, where state prosecutors may seek another temporary restraining order. Paxton's office informed CBS News on Thursday that the Attorney General plans to appeal the recent decision, which would elevate the case to the Texas Supreme Court. The Texas appeals court reverses injunction, but this may not be the final word in the legal proceedings.
In a statement, the Attorney General's office emphasized that bond conditions have been secured to protect Texas women from what they describe as Rojas's illegal abortion scheme. According to the statement, evidence indicates the scheme involved providing medical advice from unqualified sources, which resulted in vulnerable women terminating their pregnancies.
"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," the statement read.
Rojas remains under house arrest while simultaneously confronting criminal charges tied to the alleged performance of abortions. She has maintained her not guilty position in the criminal case. Nicole Hochglaube, who represents Rojas in the criminal matter, noted that her client is enduring the situation despite being unable to work, describing the entire process as extremely challenging. A specific trial date has yet to be established for the criminal proceedings.