Gov. Greg Abbott has signed an executive order directing multiple state agencies to investigate and eliminate birth tourism operations in Texas.
The order directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Department of State Health Services, the HHSC Office of Inspector General, the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to investigate claims of birth tourism and take enforcement action against those involved.
“DSHS, HHSC, OIG, TMB, BON, and TDLR must investigate claims of birth tourism schemes in Texas’ healthcare industry and take action against licensed or regulated individuals and entities advertising, soliciting, engaging in, assisting with, providing, or otherwise participating in such activities, including by revoking or suspending licensure, prohibiting participation in state contracts, denying state benefits, or taking other enforcement action,” the order states.
The order also authorizes the agencies, with the governor’s approval, to partner with federal prosecutors by sharing information, referring potential federal law violations, and coordinating efforts to combat birth tourism operations.
“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. “This executive order directs state agencies to investigate birth tourism schemes and hold accountable any provider that facilitates this fraud. U.S. citizenship is not for sale, and Texas will put a stop to individuals seeking to profit from birth tourism.”
Abbott’s executive order follows reports that Mission Regional Medical Center in South Texas advertised birth services to foreign nationals on a highway billboard.
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The billboard, photographed along the highways, featured text in English and Spanish directing prospective patients to a phone number and website for additional information. It advertised natural childbirth services for $3,950 and cesarean deliveries for $5,525.
Earlier this month, state Rep. Brian Harrison called for a special session to combat birth tourism practices in the state.
Abbott subsequently directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to investigate Mission Regional Medical Center and refer any potential state violations to the Texas attorney general’s office.
The new executive order expands that effort by directing state agencies to participate in the investigation and pursue disciplinary action against licensed health care providers and regulated entities that facilitate the illegal practice.
Anyone with information about suspected birth tourism operations in Texas is encouraged to report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General. Tips may also be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice or to the appropriate U.S. attorney’s office in Texas.
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