Birth Tourism Flourishes In Southern California

Sing Tao Daily, News Report

 SAN GABRIEL, Calif.— An increasing number of mothers are coming from China to give birth in the United States at illegal birth centers. The popularity of illegal birth centers, especially in Southern California, is of growing concern to community members, because of the health hazards they pose, reports the Sing Tao Daily. The birth centers, which provide accommodation and health services to mothers before and after labor, claimed they could serve up to 40 mothers a year, according to the newspaper. Mrs. Xie from Shanghai said she rented a single room at the birth center for four months and planned to spend one month in the United States after the birth of her baby. She said the total expense for the package, including air travel, medical and delivery expenses at the hospital, and accommodation, was about $30,000 (USD). Xie said she believed it was worthwhile, because it was an important investment for her child.

San Gabriel’s Neighborhood Services Manager Clayton Anderson said the city has already received two complaints about the birth centers from neighbors. He said the city has sent notices of violations to the owners, but if they were caught again, charges would be brought against them. Anderson added, since birth centers were not regulated, health and safety and quality of medical staff are in question. Xie said she was satisfied with the services at the birth center.

Cross-nation birth centers advertise heavily to parents in Asia, magnifying the benefits of giving their children U.S. citizenship, such as enjoying government benefits, access to financial aid or scholarships to attend American colleges, and the extension of citizenship to their parents later on.