Valley hospital investigations spark statewide birth tourism crackdown

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expanded his crackdown on birth tourism in Texas with a statewide executive order after ordering investigations into Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission and Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco over allegations the hospitals promoted maternity services to foreign nationals seeking to give birth in the United States.

The investigations stem from a broader international marketing campaign that also promoted maternity services at Harlingen Medical Center, according to archived versions of the “Have My Baby in Texas” website reviewed by the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal.

Abbott’s new order now broadens the state’s response beyond the Rio Grande Valley by directing multiple state agencies to investigate birth tourism schemes across Texas’ healthcare industry.

“Texas will not tolerate the exploitation of our immigration laws by individuals traveling to the United States illegally or under false pretenses to give birth and secure citizenship for their child,” Abbott said Wednesday in a statement announcing the order. “U.S. citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will put a stop to individuals seeking to profit from birth tourism.”

The executive order directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to investigate birth tourism schemes in Texas’ healthcare industry and pursue enforcement against licensed providers that advertise, facilitate or otherwise participate in the practice.

The agencies are instructed to take action against licensed individuals or entities that advertise, solicit, engage in, assist with, provide or otherwise participate in birth tourism.

Potential penalties include revoking or suspending licenses, prohibiting participation in state contracts, denying state benefits, or pursuing other enforcement actions authorized under state law.

The order also authorizes the agencies, with the governor’s approval, to coordinate with federal prosecutors by sharing information, referring potential violations of federal law and partnering on investigations.

Abbott first directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on July 7 to investigate Mission Regional Medical Center after reports the hospital advertised “Birth Packages in South Texas” to expectant mothers from foreign countries seeking U.S. citizenship for their children.

Subsequent reporting by the Rio Grande Valley Business Journal found that archived versions of the “Have My Baby in Texas” website also promoted maternity services at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco and Harlingen Medical Center.

Abbott has since expanded the state’s investigation to include Knapp Medical Center, while the new executive order creates a broader statewide framework for pursuing similar cases involving other healthcare providers.

Mission Regional Medical Center previously said it “does not support or facilitate any unlawful activity” and complies with all applicable federal and state laws. The hospital said it discontinued the maternity marketing materials because of “any unintended misunderstanding” and pledged to cooperate with state officials.

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

The executive order took effect immediately upon filing with the Texas Secretary of State on Tuesday.