AUSTIN, TX - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has warned that children’s hospitals could lose state funding if they fail to comply with his executive order requiring medical facilities to inquire about patients’ immigration status on intake forms.
The governor issued the threat in response to a viral TikTok video from a Houston doctor, who advised patients they were not obligated to answer such questions.
In a post on the platform X, Abbott addressed Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, saying, “You better think twice and have crystal clear records. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the Order.”
The executive order, which took effect Nov. 1, mandates public hospitals to collect data on care provided to undocumented immigrants. Abbott said this enables Texas to request federal reimbursement, arguing that “Texans should not have to shoulder the burden of financially supporting medical care for illegal immigrants.”
Critics argue the measure discourages undocumented immigrants and their families, including U.S. citizen children, from seeking care. Dr. Tony Pastor, a cardiologist affiliated with Texas Children’s Hospital, condemned the policy in the viral video, which garnered over 1 million views before being removed. Pastor called the order “uncomfortable,” adding, “You should get health care if you’re sick.”
Pastor also criticized Texas for not expanding Medicaid while implementing policies he claimed target vulnerable populations.
In response to Abbott’s remarks, Texas Children’s Hospital issued a statement affirming compliance with the executive order.
"Texas Children’s fully supports Governor Abbott’s new Executive Order and is in full compliance," the statement read. "We have worked closely with the Texas Hospital Association and our industry partners across the state to ensure compliance in advance of the effective date. While we recognize that individuals working at Texas Children’s hold their own personal views on many topics, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Texas Children’s Hospital. We will continue to prioritize patient care while ensuring we are in full compliance with all laws and legal directives."
Abbott’s directive also requires hospitals to inform patients that their immigration status responses will not affect the care they receive.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: