Texas Governor Greg Abbott launched a state investigation after a hospital near the U.S.-Mexico border advertised Spanish-language birth packages in Mexico. The hospital, Mission Regional Medical Center, confirmed the ad campaign, which offered starting prices of $3,950 for a natural birth and $5,525 for a cesarean section.
A hospital spokesperson said, "Marketing materials related to maternity services are no longer in use because they led to some unfortunate misunderstandings. We do not support or facilitate any illegal activity, and we work to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations."
The billboards directed viewers to a website that was later taken down. While the campaign was said to have started in 2021, it was not disclosed when the billboards were placed. After images circulated on social media, two billboards and the website were removed on Monday.
In a July 7 letter to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Governor Abbott requested an "immediate and thorough" investigation into whether the hospital had violated state laws and contractual obligations.
"'Birth tourism' is an illegal practice that abuses the extraordinary hospitality the U.S. and Texas offer to millions of foreign visitors each year. Unfortunately, thousands of foreign visitors come to the U.S. under false pretenses to secure citizenship for their children."
Abbott instructed that any potential violations be referred to the Texas Attorney General's Office for legal action and to the appropriate district attorney for criminal prosecution. "American citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will not allow our health care system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism," he said.
Birth tourism has long been a debated topic in the U.S. The Supreme Court's decision affirming the right to birthright citizenship could, according to critics, encourage such practices. President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at limiting automatic citizenship for some children remains subject to legal challenges.
Mission Regional Medical Center expressed its intent to cooperate with state officials, saying, "We aim to work cooperatively and transparently with local and state authorities. Our focus remains on providing safe, high-quality care to every patient who seeks our services."
