Investigation Initiated Over Texas Hospital’s Birth Tourism Campaign
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed an investigation into a Texas hospital following reports of its advertising targeting foreign nationals for childbirth services near the U.S.-Mexico border. Mission Regional Medical Center acknowledged its responsibility for the campaign, promoting ‘Birth Packages in South Texas’ on Spanish-language billboards in Mexico.
The advertisements detailed services, including natural deliveries starting at $3,950 and C-sections at $5,525. They directed viewers to a now-defunct website, havemybabyinTEXAS.com, and included a contact number starting with ‘001,’ the code for calls from Mexico to the U.S.
The marketing materials regarding maternity services are no longer in use due to any unintended misunderstanding. – Hospital Spokesperson
Hospital representatives stated the campaign, which began in 2021, included two billboards within five miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. Both billboards and the website were taken down after images spread on social media.
Governor Abbott has directed Texas Health and Human Services Commission Executive Commissioner, Stephanie Muth, to investigate the hospital for possible legal violations.
Abbott expressed concerns about ‘birth tourism,’ describing it as an illegal practice exploiting the U.S.’s hospitality to secure citizenship for children born to foreign nationals under false pretenses.
Abbott wrote, “American citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will not permit our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism.” He urged for a thorough investigation and possible referral for civil or criminal action if violations are discovered.
In a broader effort to counter ‘birth tourism,’ Abbott plans to engage with the Texas Legislature to reinforce state law.
The issue of birthright citizenship remains contentious, with ongoing legal challenges against an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at restricting this right.
Mission Regional Medical Center has indicated its willingness to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing its commitment to providing quality care to all patients.