South Texas hospital under investigation by state for alleged 'birth tourism' scheme
MISSION, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to investigate a hospital in Mission, Texas, according to a news release on Tuesday.
The investigation stems from allegations that the hospital marketed childbirth services to foreign nationals a part of an effort to profit from so-called birth tourism.
Probe into Mission Regional Medical Center
What we know:
Abbott directed HHSC to immediately examine whether the Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission, Texas, violated state law or contractual obligations by advertising "birth packages in South Texas" in foreign countries, in an effort to attract expectant mothers seeking to give birth in the United States.
Under Abbott's directive, HHSC must refer any violations it finds to the office of the Texas Attorney General for potential civil enforcement and to the appropriate authorities for possible criminal charges. The agency was also instructed to pursue administrative sanctions and penalties against the South Texas hospital if warranted.
Allegations of exploiting 'birth packages'
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Dig deeper:
In a letter to HHSC Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth, Abbott said the investigation centers on reports that Mission Regional Medical Center advertised "birth packages in South Texas" in foreign countries and targeted foreign nationals in an apparent effort to profit from birth tourism.
What they're saying:
The governor said the practice is intended to help secure U.S. citizenship for children born in the country. Abbott alleges that thousands of foreign nationals travel to the United States, under false pretenses, to give birth and obtain citizenship for their children.
"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."
Future Texas legislation
Big picture view:
Abbott said he plans to work with state lawmakers during the next legislative session to strengthen Texas law and eliminate the practice. Federal authorities have previously prosecuted businesses that arranged birth tourism schemes involving visa fraud and other offenses.
Federal law still grants U.S. citizenship to nearly all children born in the United States, regardless of their parents' immigration status, under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by the Texas Governor's Office.