Texas Investigates Hospital’s Birth Package Advertisements

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas initiated an investigation into a local hospital following its confirmation of advertising ‘Birth Packages in South Texas’ in Mexico. These advertisements targeted pregnant foreign nationals with childbirth services near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Mission Regional Medical Center acknowledged responsibility for the campaign, which advertised deliveries starting at $3,950 for natural births and $5,525 for C-sections. The campaign included a website, havemybabyinTEXAS.com, which has been deactivated.

The billboards featured a phone number with the prefix ‘001,’ indicating calls directed to the U.S. from Mexico.

“The marketing materials regarding maternity services are no longer in use due to any unintended misunderstanding,” a hospital spokesperson stated. “We do not support or facilitate any unlawful activity and work to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.”

The campaign involved two billboards located close to the hospital, near the border crossing. Mission Regional Medical Center stated that both billboards and the associated website were taken down following social media exposure. Although the campaign began in 2021, the exact date of the billboard installations remains unspecified.

Governor Abbott instructed Stephanie Muth, Executive Commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services Commission, to investigate the hospital for potential law infringements. He emphasized that any discovered violations should be referred for legal action.

Abbott articulated his concerns by saying, “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. Thousands come under false pretenses to give birth and secure citizenship for their children.”

Abbott further directed the commission to conduct a thorough investigation of the hospital, with the aim of eliminating birth tourism in Texas. Abbott is determined to collaborate with the Texas Legislature to strengthen laws related to this issue.

The hospital assured cooperation with state officials, prioritizing the delivery of safe, high-quality care to all patients.

This investigation coincides with ongoing legal challenges to former President Trump’s executive order aimed at limiting automatic birthright citizenship.