For Immediate Release:
March 18, 2025

For More Information:
Laura K Chapin
Media Communications Director, Cobalt
(303) 954-8416; Laura@cobaltadvocates.org

Denver –  Cobalt President Karen Middleton issued the following statement in response to the arrest of a Texas woman because of that state’s abortion ban:

“The more we hear about this case, the more troubling it gets. And it certainly emphasizes the need for strengthening Colorado’s shield law to protect medical professionals and patients.

According to news reports, Maria Margarita Rojas is a Latina midwife serving low-income and immigrant communities, not a doctor.

As reported in the New York Times, “She was on her way to the clinic and got pulled over by the police at gunpoint and handcuffed,” said the friend, a fellow midwife, Holly Shearman, who said she had spoken with Ms. Rojas by phone last week. “She said they wouldn’t tell her what was happening. She said they took her to Austin.”

We are seeing a pattern of intimidation of immigrant communities around the country, including here in Denver. Abortion is health care and it should be accessible for all. Threats, PR campaigns, and intimidation tactics against any health care provider, or their patients, are offensive and unacceptable.”

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Cobalt is a grassroots, statewide Colorado organization that advances abortion access and reproductive rights. Our organization began in 1967 when Colorado became the first state to allow safe, legal abortion. Cobalt believes nothing should stand between you and your health decisions, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for systems, structures and policies that protect reproductive rights and guarantee comprehensive, universal access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion.