How Common Is Birth Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

Birth tourism, also known as maternity tourism or pregnancy tourism, is the practice of traveling to another country to give birth intentionally. It is a controversial issue that has been widely debated in recent times.

The main reason behind this practice is to obtain citizenship for the newborn baby in the country where it was born. In this article, we will explore how common birth tourism is.

Why Do People Engage In Birth Tourism?

People engage in birth tourism for various reasons. One of the primary reasons is to secure citizenship for their child in a foreign country.

This can be beneficial for the child’s future prospects, such as education and job opportunities. Additionally, some countries offer better social welfare benefits than others, which can provide financial benefits for families.

How Common Is Birth Tourism?

There are no official statistics on how common birth tourism is globally. However, it has been reported that the United States and Canada are popular destinations for birth tourists.

In 2018, it was estimated that around 10,000 babies were born to non-resident mothers in Canada. Similarly, in the United States, it was estimated that approximately 33,000 babies were born to non-resident mothers in 2018.

The Impact Of Birth Tourism

The impact of birth tourism on a country’s economy and social welfare system has been a subject of debate. Some argue that it puts a strain on resources and services meant for citizens and legal residents. Others argue that birth tourism can be beneficial by boosting the economy through increased spending on medical care and other services.

Legal Status Of Birth Tourism

The legal status of birth tourism varies from country to country. Some countries have strict laws prohibiting it while others allow it under certain conditions. In Canada, birth tourism is not illegal but there have been calls from some politicians to change this policy due to concerns about the impact on the health care system.

In the United States, birth tourism is legal, and there are no federal laws prohibiting it. However, individual states may have their own restrictions or regulations. Some lawmakers have introduced bills to restrict birth tourism but none have been passed into law.

In Conclusion

Birth tourism is a controversial issue that raises questions about citizenship, immigration, and the impact on a country’s resources. While there are no official statistics on how common it is globally, it is clear that it is a growing trend in some countries. The debate over whether it should be allowed or prohibited continues, and it remains to be seen what impact this practice will have in the long run.