A Texas hospital near the southern border is facing scrutiny after Rep. Wesley Hunt’s office posted about it on X. The post called out Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission, Texas, for advertising “birth packages”, natural births starting at $3,950 and C-sections at $5,525, saying they basically include citizenship for the baby under the 14th Amendment. The ads, which popped up in the Rio Grande Valley area, have sparked a lot of debate online about birth tourism.
The video shows a Fox News report featuring footage of a bilingual billboard in Mexico for Mission Regional Medical Center that advertises “BIRTH PACKAGES IN SOUTH TEXAS,” with a natural birth listed at “$3,950” and a C-section at “$5,525.” On-screen statements from the hospital include “Potential for unintended misunderstanding” and the explanation that “Like hospitals across the country and throughout the region, we share information about the healthcare services we provide.” The clip also displays the hospital’s assurance: “We do not support or facilitate any unlawful activity and work to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.”
According to the post text accompanying the video, the packages are framed as offering U.S. citizenship to the child by birth on American soil. The hospital has said the marketing materials are no longer in use. It is not clear from the footage whether the original billboard explicitly mentioned citizenship. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a state investigation into the advertising.
Public Backlash Unfolds Over the Border Birth Packages Ad
Some users criticized the hospital and called for action, with one writing “SUSPEND ACCREDITATION OF THAT HOSPITAL AND PULL FEDERAL FUNDING,” and another stating “Shut them down! How dare they.”
Others highlighted costs to Americans, including “Who is covering the difference?” and “Guess who is paying the actual costs for delivering these babies? … American citizens increased cost of healthcare is actually picking up the tab!!!”
Several blamed Supreme Court justices for the underlying policy, such as “Are Amy Coney Barrett and John Roberts pleased with themselves and their decision on birthright citizenship now?” and “ACB and John Roberts are traitors to this country.”
A few questioned the post’s framing, with one commenting, “Where does it say citizenship is included in there? Hospitals all across the country advertise their services.”
It remains unclear what impact the investigation ordered by Texas officials will have. The post and video continue to circulate as part of a broader online conversation around birthright citizenship and hospital practices.
