Abbott orders investigation into Mission Regional Medical Center over alleged birth tourism marketing

Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to investigate Mission Regional Medical Center over allegations that the hospital marketed childbirth packages to foreign nationals seeking to give birth in the United States.

In a letter Tuesday to HHSC Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth, Abbott ordered an immediate investigation into reports that the Mission hospital advertised “Birth Packages in South Texas” in foreign countries in an effort to attract expectant mothers seeking U.S. citizenship for their children.

Abbott alleged the practice amounts to birth tourism, which he described as an abuse of the nation’s immigration system.

“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,” Abbott wrote.

The governor directed HHSC to determine whether Mission Regional Medical Center violated state law or contractual obligations. If violations are found, Abbott instructed the agency to refer the matter to the Texas Attorney General for civil enforcement and to local prosecutors for possible criminal action. He also directed HHSC to consider administrative sanctions and penalties against the hospital.

The investigation comes about a week after the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to limit the constitutional right.

It also comes hours after Mission Regional Medical Center’s international maternity website, “Have My Baby in Texas,” was taken offline, according to the Houston Chronicle. The newspaper reported the website disappeared following renewed scrutiny over a photo of one of the hospital’s maternity billboards that went viral in April after former U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores shared an image she said was taken in Reynosa.

Archived versions of the “Have My Baby in Texas” website show the marketing campaign promoted childbirth services for international patients at Mission Regional Medical Center, Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco and Harlingen Medical Center. However, Abbott’s directive specifically orders HHSC to investigate only Mission Regional Medical Center and does not mention the other two hospitals

Mission Regional Medical Center provided a statement to Texas Border Business saying it “does not support or facilitate any unlawful activity” and works to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The hospital said it has discontinued the marketing materials related to its maternity services because of “any unintended misunderstanding” and intends to cooperate with local and state officials.

“Our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient who seeks our services,” the hospital said.

Abbott said he also plans to work with the Texas Legislature next session to strengthen state law aimed at eliminating birth tourism in Texas.

HHSC has not announced a timeline for completing its investigation.