Abortion Arrest Case Highlights Solution Both Sides of Highly Charged Debate can Agree on
Texas is enforcing its new abortion law. Authorities arrested a licensed midwife in Houston, named Maria Margarita Rojas and her assistant, Jose Ley, who is not licensed to practice medicine. The arrest is for performing illegal abortions without a license. Rojas identified herself as “Dr. Maria,” presumably to offer scared, pregnant women a modicum of comfort and reassurance.
The victim in this case is identified only as E.G., who was faced with a very difficult decision made less difficult by Rojas’s assistants, who portrayed Rojas as a doctor. Such deceit is often necessary to tip the decision-making scales in favor of abortion at the moment of truth.
It is not known if E.G. would have chosen to have her baby without such a level of deceit. It does, however, demonstrated that abortion is a decision these scared young women definitely wrestle with. Imagine if instead of being lied to by individuals offering false assurance, a young woman is comforted by having her financial demands met
That is EXACTLY what Let Them Live Does!! Even the staunches of pro-choice advocates tend to side with their mission.
Here are some key points from the Rojas case:
- Upholding the Law: This case represents a pivotal moment for Texas, demonstrating that the state is committed to enforcing its abortion ban and ensuring that the lives of the unborn are protected. It’s a powerful example of how laws can be used to safeguard the most vulnerable in society.
- Preventing Dangerous Practices: The arrest of Rojas, a certified nurse midwife, and Ley, an unlicensed individual, underscores the very real dangers of illegal abortion procedures. This case highlights the potential harm women may face when they seek abortion services from unqualified individuals outside of a regulated, legal framework.
- Exposing the Exploitation of Vulnerable Women: The investigation reveals that Rojas and Ley misled patients, falsely presenting themselves as licensed professionals. This is a disturbing reminder that vulnerable women seeking abortions may be coerced into dangerous and unethical procedures by individuals motivated by financial gain rather than a genuine concern for their well-being.
- The Importance of Ethical Care: This case emphasizes the need for ethical, compassionate care that respects both the health of the mother and the unborn child. It demonstrates the urgency of continuing to fight for life-affirming laws that protect both women and children from the harm of illegal and unsafe abortion practices.
This story not only sheds light on the importance of protecting life but also on the need for stronger oversight and regulation to ensure that women’s health is not compromised by dangerous, illegal abortion procedures. It serves as a call to action for pro-life advocates and legal experts alike to continue pushing for policies that support the protection of all innocent life.
Related Article(s):
Houston midwife arrested for alleged illegal abortions | The Texas Tribune
OPTIONAL Q&A
- Nathan and Emily, in light of the recent arrest of Maria Margarita Rojas and Jose Ley, what does this case say about Texas’ commitment to enforcing its new abortion law?
- How does the case of Rojas and Ley highlight the dangers of unregulated and illegal abortion practices?
- What role do you think deceit, such as falsely portraying oneself as a doctor, plays in the decision-making process of vulnerable women seeking abortions?
- Let Them Live works to provide women with alternatives to abortion. How do you feel this case reinforces the importance of offering financial and emotional support to women in crisis pregnancies?
- In your opinion, what more should be done to protect vulnerable women from exploitation by individuals performing unsafe, illegal abortions?
- This case illustrates that women often wrestle with difficult decisions about abortion. How can pro-life advocates and organizations like Let Them Live better assist these women to make life-affirming choices?
- What steps can Texas and other states take to ensure stronger oversight and regulation of abortion services, especially with regards to unlicensed practitioners?
- How do you view the response from pro-choice advocates to organizations like Let Them Live, and why do you think even they may support your mission?
ABOUT EMILY BERNING…
Emily Berning is the President and Co-Founder of Let Them Live, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to saving lives from abortion by financially supporting women in crisis pregnancies. She has been involved with the pro-life movement for over 8 years and her greatest passion in life is giving pregnant women the support they need to choose life. Emily holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Colorado State University and met her husband, Nathan, the summer after she graduated. They started Let Them Live together in 2018 and have grown it to a team of 50 staff and 100+ volunteers that has helped almost 1000 women cancel their abortions and choose life. Emily and Nathan love working together and recently wrote a book about their experiences with Let Them Live that released in the fall of 2023: “Let Them Live: How Saving One Life from Abortion Sparked a Movement”
ABOUT NATHAN BERNING…
Co-Founder & Executive Director of Let them Live. Nathan’s organization has saved over 1000 babies by removing financial barriers to life, raising millions of dollars in donations via remote crowd funding. Implemented fully remote model, which connected donors with mothers in crisis. Nathan did this by using real-time data tracking and digital case management. Worked with Dr. Ben Carson and his senior staff to refine the campaign’s national message, raising candidate visibility among conservative and faith-based constituencies. Nathan is a pro-life innovator and grassroots advocate with a proven capacity to deploy technology, messaging, and policy for transformative social impact. Rare combination of a background in Silicon Valley entrepreneurship and a pro-life message. Nathan’s website is www.LetThemLive.org
