Investigation Into Texas Hospital’s Birth Tourism Advertisements Ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott

Texas Governor Greg Abbott initiated an investigation into a Texas hospital’s advertising campaign that targeted pregnant foreign nationals. Mission Regional Medical Center had promoted childbirth services through Spanish-language billboards in Mexico, offering ‘Birth Packages in South Texas.’

The hospital confirmed to Fox News that the advertising featured natural deliveries starting at $3,950 and C-sections at $5,525. The billboards included a phone number with a ‘001’ prefix for calls from Mexico to the U.S., and referenced a website, havemybabyinTEXAS.com, which is now offline.

Images of these billboards circulated widely on social media, prompting their removal. The hospital stated the marketing materials are no longer used due to any ‘unintended misunderstanding.’

‘Birth tourism’ exploits the hospitality offered by the U.S. and Texas to millions of foreign travelers each year, drawing them under false pretenses to secure citizenship for their offspring, wrote Gov. Abbott in a letter dated July 7.

Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth to investigate for potential state law violations. The governor urged that any breaches be referred for civil enforcement and possible criminal prosecution.

Abbott emphasized, ‘American citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will not permit our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism.’ He plans to collaborate with the Texas Legislature to eliminate this practice.

Mission Regional Medical Center has expressed its intention to cooperate with the state’s inquiry. The hospital confirmed its commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care to all patients seeking services.

This investigation coincides with ongoing legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at limiting automatic birthright citizenship.