Texas Gov. Abbott signs order to curb birth tourism

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an executive order on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, directing multiple state agencies to investigate and crack down on alleged "birth tourism" schemes within the state's healthcare industry. The order mandates that agencies pursue enforcement actions against licensed healthcare providers found to be facilitating the practice, which the governor's office describes as encouraging foreign nationals to travel to the United States illegally or under false pretenses to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

The order requires the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Department of State Health Services, the HHSC Office of Inspector General, the Texas Medical Board, the Texas Board of Nursing, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to investigate allegations and take action. Potential enforcement measures include revoking or suspending professional licenses, prohibiting participation in state contracts, denying state benefits, and pursuing civil or administrative penalties. Agencies are also authorized to share information and refer potential violations to federal prosecutors.

In a statement, Governor Abbott said,...