Gov. Abbott Issues Executive Order Against 'Birth Tourism' Schemes

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday signed an executive order directing multiple state agencies to investigate and eliminate unlawful birth tourism schemes in Texas and take enforcement action against licensed healthcare providers found to be involved.

The executive order instructs state agencies to investigate allegations of birth tourism within Texas' healthcare industry and hold accountable individuals or entities that participate in or facilitate the practice.

"Texas will not tolerate the exploitation of our immigration laws," 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."

The order directs the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Department of State Health Services, HHSC Office of Inspector General, Texas Medical Board, Texas Board of Nursing and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to investigate claims of unlawful birth tourism schemes.

Under the order, agencies are directed to take enforcement action against any licensed or regulated individual or entity found to be advertising, soliciting, engaging in, assisting with or otherwise participating in unlawful birth tourism schemes.

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

The executive order also authorizes state agencies to work with federal prosecutors by sharing information and referring potential violations of federal law related to birth tourism.

The action builds on previous directives issued by Abbott earlier this month. On July 7, the governor ordered HHSC to investigate Texas hospitals advertising birth tourism packages and refer any state law violations to the Office of the Attorney General for civil enforcement and to local prosecutors for potential criminal prosecution.

According to the governor's office, HHSC subsequently referred two Texas hospitals to the attorney general in connection with the alleged advertising of "birth packages" in Mexico.

Abbott encouraged Texans with information about suspected birth tourism schemes to report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General. Tips regarding potential federal violations may also be submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice or the appropriate U.S. Attorney's Office in Texas.