Texas Governor Orders Probe into Hospital Accused of Facilitating 'Maternity Tourism'

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has initiated an investigation into the Mission Regional Medical Center, accusing it of profiting from a "maternity tourism" network. The governor alleges the hospital offered birth packages to foreign nationals with the intent of securing U.S. citizenship for their newborns through birthright citizenship.

Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a thorough inquiry into the hospital, which is under state regulation. He stated that the practice is illegal and exploits the nation's hospitality. "The HHSC must investigate the hospital, a facility it regulates, for any violations of state law and contractual obligations," Abbott said in a statement. If irregularities are found, the HHSC is to report them to the attorney general for sanctions and to the district or county attorney for potential criminal prosecution.

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The HHSC must investigate the hospital, a facility it regulates, for any violations of state law and contractual obligations.

The governor emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the integrity of American citizenship. "U.S. citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will not allow our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism," Abbott wrote in a letter to the HHSC. He also indicated plans to work with the legislature to strengthen state laws against birth tourism. The Mission Regional Medical Center has denied the allegations, with a spokesperson stating that the hospital does not support or facilitate illegal activities and is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

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U.S. citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will not allow our healthcare system to be used as a magnet for birth tourism.