Texas Governor Orders Probe into Hospital’s Maternity Advertising

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has initiated an investigation into the activities of a Texas hospital after it was revealed that the facility had advertised maternity services targeting pregnant foreign nationals. The investigation was announced Tuesday following confirmation by the hospital that it promoted Spanish-language “Birth Packages in South Texas” through billboards in Mexico. These advertisements promoted childbirth services near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The campaign, initiated by Mission Regional Medical Center, offered packages starting at $3,950 for natural childbirth and $5,525 for Cesarean sections. The advertisements directed potential clients to a website, havemybabyinTEXAS.com, which has since been removed. A phone number starting with “001,” used for international calls from Mexico to the United States, was also included in the ads.

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

Two billboards positioned within five miles of the hospital and close to the U.S.-Mexico border were removed on Monday after images surfaced on social media. Although the campaign originally launched in 2021, the spokesperson did not clarify when these billboards were initially installed.

Governor Abbott has instructed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth to conduct a thorough investigation into the hospital. The probe will focus on potential infractions of state law and contractual agreements.

Abbott expressed concerns over “birth tourism,” an activity where foreign nationals enter the U.S. with the intent to give birth and secure American citizenship for their children. In a letter to Fox News, Abbott stated, “Birth tourism is an illegal practice exploiting the hospitality extended by the United States and Texas to foreign visitors.” He emphasized that any breaches uncovered should be forwarded to the Texas Attorney General for civil enforcement and potential criminal proceedings by relevant district or county attorneys.

The governor committed to collaborating with the Texas Legislature to reinforce laws against birth tourism. “Unfortunately, birth tourism operations are not a new phenomenon,” noted Kyle Brosnan, General Counsel of the Oversight Project. “The Supreme Court’s decision regarding birthright citizenship is anticipated to exacerbate the birth tourism industry,” added Brosnan. He advocated for criminal investigations and mass deportations as responses to such practices.

Mission Regional Medical Center has pledged complete cooperation with state authorities. “We intend to work cooperatively and transparently with local and state officials,” the hospital remarked. “Our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient who seeks our services.”

Current legal challenges persist regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at limiting automatic birthright citizenship for certain children born in the U.S.