Texas Lawmaker Calls for Special Session to Combat Birth Tourism After Supreme Court Ruling

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship, a Texas lawmaker is calling on the Legislature to convene a special session to combat birth tourism.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that birthright citizenship may remain in place, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

The following day, Republican state Rep. Brian Harrison, sent a letter urging the Texas Legislature to convene an immediate special session to protect Texans from “birth tourism.”

In his letter, Harrison called for legislation making it a felony to operate or participate in birth tourism within Texas, expanding the criminal offense of illegal entry to include entering the state for the purpose of birth tourism, and granting the Texas attorney general authority to investigate and prosecute birth tourism cases.

Harrison is also urging lawmakers to adopt a resolution formally condemning the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision and another resolution calling on Congress to take action on birthright citizenship.

Harrison’s letter comes as reports have surfaced that U.S. hospitals have advertised “birth packages” costing up to $5,000 for foreign nationals seeking to give birth in border states such as Texas. 

One advertisement for Mission Regional Medical Center appeared on a highway billboard. Written in both English and Spanish, it directed expectant mothers to call a phone number or visit a website for information about giving birth in South Texas.

According to the billboard, a natural birth cost $3,950, while a cesarean section cost $5,525.

When visiting the website, havemybabyinTexas.com, visitors were initially greeted with a Spanish-language homepage featuring testimonials and information about two Texas hospitals that offer childbirth services: Mission Regional Medical Center and Knapp Medical Center—both located in South Texas near the border.

After images of the billboard circulated on social media and prompted backlash, the website appears to have been taken offline.

Harrison also pointed to Texas Department of State Health Services policies regarding birth certificates. 

According to the agency, a foreigner may use certain forms of identification, including an El Salvadoran consular certification, El Salvadoran Unique Identity Card, Honduran consular certification, or a Mexican voter registration card when applying for a Texas birth certificate.

The department’s website also states that an immediate family member—including a sibling, grandparent, or spouse—may request a birth certificate under certain circumstances, rather than only the child’s mother or father.

Harrison’s proposal has drawn support from members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy who wrote on X, “Texas should do this—and more.”

Harrison said Texas should act despite the Supreme Court’s decision and pressure the federal government to address birth tourism and birthright citizenship.

“After yesterday’s Supreme Court decision, Texans deserve action, not just rhetoric, from their state leaders. Texas must start acting like the sovereign state it is and stop taking it on the chin when actions from D.C. threaten to destroy the very fabric of our republic,” Harrison said. 

“Texas must not simply act like a powerless bystander but take bold and decisive action to protect liberty for future generations. I am publicly demanding an immediate special session to combat the harms from mass birth tourism, pressure the federal government to fix birth tourism, and to protect the value of citizenship that countless paid the ultimate price for.

“I hope every elected Republican in Texas joins my call for immediate action. Delay is unacceptable for a state like Texas,” his letter concluded.