Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into a Texas hospital after accusations surfaced regarding its advertisement of “Birth Packages in South Texas” through billboards in Mexico. These advertisements reportedly promoted childbirth services to pregnant foreign nationals near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Mission Regional Medical Center confirmed it was responsible for the advertising campaign. This promotion offered deliveries starting at $3,950 for natural births and $5,525 for C-sections. It directed visitors to a website, which is now offline. The billboards included a phone number with “001,” indicating calls from Mexico to the U.S.
A spokesperson for the hospital informed Fox News that the marketing materials are no longer in use due to potential misunderstandings. The hospital insists it does not engage in unlawful activities and complies with all federal and state laws. The campaign reportedly included two billboards near the border and began in 2021, although the exact timing of the billboard installation remains unspecified.
Gov. Abbott has ordered an investigation by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission into potential violations and contractual obligations of the Mission Regional Medical Center. He emphasized the illegal nature of “birth tourism,” where foreign nationals allegedly come to the U.S. to give birth to secure citizenship for their children.
Abbott instructed HHSC to investigate thoroughly and if necessary, refer violations to the Texas Attorney General, along with district or county attorneys for potential criminal prosecution. He made it clear that “American citizenship is not for sale,” and Texas will not allow its healthcare system to attract birth tourism.
Additionally, Abbott plans to collaborate with the Texas Legislature to strengthen laws against birth tourism in the upcoming session.
The ongoing investigation occurs amidst President Donald Trump’s executive order to limit automatic birthright citizenship facing legal challenges. Mission Regional Medical Center has stated its intention to cooperate thoroughly with local and state officials, prioritizing safe, high-quality care for all patients.
This situation highlights the broader debate on birthright citizenship and the practices surrounding it.