Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas) ordered an investigation into Mission Regional Medical Center over allegations that the hospital marketed "BIRTH PACKAGES IN SOUTH TEXAS" to foreign nationals as part of an effort to profit from birth tourism.
Abbott Launches Birth Tourism Probe
On Tuesday, Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct an immediate investigation into reports that Mission Regional Medical Center advertised "BIRTH PACKAGES IN SOUTH TEXAS" in foreign countries and targeted international patients.
The governor said the practice, known as birth tourism, exploits U.S. citizenship laws and accused some foreign travelers of using pretenses to enter the country for childbirth.
"Birth tourism is an illegal practice that exploits the extraordinary hospitality that the United States and Texas offer to millions of foreign travelers each year," Abbott said in a statement.
He added, "Thousands of foreign travelers come to the United States under false pretenses to give birth and secure citizenship for their children."
Abbott instructed HHSC to refer any violations to the Texas Attorney General’s Office for civil enforcement and to local prosecutors for possible criminal action.
The agency was also directed to consider administrative penalties against the hospital if violations are found.
"American citizenship is not for sale and Texas will not permit our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism," Abbott wrote in a letter to HHSC Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth.
DOJ Prioritizes Birth Tourism Investigations
Earlier this month, the Justice Department instructed prosecutors to prioritize investigations into alleged birth tourism schemes after the Supreme Court blocked President Donald Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship.
Officials said cases involving fraud and exploitation of the immigration system could include charges such as wire fraud and money laundering.
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling had upheld birthright citizenship protections under the 14th Amendment, drawing criticism from Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who called the decision a "travesty" and urged Congress to change the law.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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