A hospital in South Texas has come under scrutiny for advertising birth services to foreign nationals on the Mexican side of the border.
The campaign promoted delivery packages, pricing natural births at $3,950 and cesarean sections at $5,525, and directed viewers to a now‑removed website.
Billboards displayed a telephone number with the international dialing code for the United States, indicating an intent to attract patients from Mexico.
The hospital later issued a statement saying the marketing materials were withdrawn due to a misunderstanding and affirmed compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.
State officials have launched an investigation into the hospital’s practices, describing the promotion of “birth tourism” as potentially unlawful.
The governor ordered the health services department to conduct a thorough review and directed any violations to the state attorney general for civil enforcement and to local prosecutors for possible criminal action.
Officials emphasized that citizenship cannot be purchased and that the healthcare system must not be used to facilitate illegal immigration strategies.
The investigation will consider legislative measures to strengthen state law and deter similar activities in the future.
