Texas Governor Investigates Hospital Over 'Birth Tourism' Allegations
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
News
Official statement
Under investigation
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered an investigation into Mission Regional Medical Center for allegedly offering birth packages to foreigners.
- The hospital is accused of facilitating "birth tourism" to help children obtain U.S. citizenship.
- Abbott stated that the practice is illegal and vowed to take action to stop it, potentially leading to administrative and criminal penalties for the hospital.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched an immediate and thorough investigation into the Mission Regional Medical Center. The probe, ordered on July 7, targets accusations that the hospital provides birth packages to foreign nationals. The alleged purpose is to enable these individuals to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children through "birth tourism."
Birth tourism is an illegal practice that takes advantage of the extraordinary hospitality that the United States and Texas offer to millions of foreign travelers every year.
Abbott's office released a statement asserting that the hospital profits from this practice, which he described as illegal. He stated that thousands of foreign travelers enter the U.S. under false pretenses to give birth and secure citizenship for their offspring. The governor instructed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to examine the hospital for any violations of state law and contractual obligations.
Thousands of foreign travelers arrive in the United States under false pretenses to give birth and obtain citizenship for their children.
The governor's office cited a letter where Abbott claimed the medical center advertises "South Texas birth packages" in foreign countries. He pledged to use all available means to assist federal officials in halting this "fraudulent practice." The investigation aims to identify any breaches of state laws and contractual duties, with potential referrals to the attorney general for civil enforcement and to local prosecutors for criminal charges.
As Governor of Texas, I will do everything in my power to help federal officials stop this fraudulent practice.
In addition to the investigation, the HHSC will pursue appropriate administrative actions against Mission Regional Medical Center, which could include sanctions and penalties. Abbott declared, "American citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will not allow our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism." He also indicated plans to work with the Texas legislature to strengthen state laws against birth tourism.
American citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will not allow our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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