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Texas Governor Takes Action Against Illegal Birth Tourism Practices

KVIA•Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 6:42 PM•Gabrielle Lopez

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AI Summary

Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order aimed at investigating and eradicating unlawful birth tourism practices in Texas. This initiative targets expecting mothers who travel to the U.S. to secure citizenship for their newborns. The order mandates several state agencies, including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Medical Board, to hold accountable any licensed healthcare providers involved in these schemes. Possible enforcement actions include revoking licenses and denying state benefits. Abbott has also previously directed investigations into hospitals promoting birth tourism packages, with two hospitals already referred to the Attorney General for further action.

Key Details: • Governor Abbott's executive order was issued on Tuesday. • Involvement of multiple state agencies including HHSC and Texas Medical Board. • Potential penalties include license revocation and denial of state benefits. • Two hospitals have already been referred to the Attorney General for advertising birth packages.

healthcare citizenship governor-abbott texas-laws birth-tourism

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TexasGreg AbbottTexas Health and Human Services CommissionTexas Medical Board

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