Is Birth Tourism Legal in Canada?

By Anna Duncan

Introduction

Birth tourism is a concept that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It refers to a practice where pregnant women travel to another country for the purpose of giving birth there, so that their child can acquire citizenship of that country.

One such popular destination for birth tourism is Canada, thanks to its citizenship laws and excellent healthcare system. But is birth tourism legal in Canada Let’s find out.

The Canadian Citizenship Act

The Canadian Citizenship Act outlines the rules and regulations regarding citizenship acquisition in Canada. According to the act, any person born on Canadian soil automatically acquires Canadian citizenship, regardless of their parents’ nationality or immigration status.

This means that if a child is born in Canada to parents who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they will still be deemed as Canadian citizens at the time of their birth.

Is Birth Tourism Legal

The act does not specifically address birth tourism as a legal or illegal practice. However, it does state that acquiring Canadian citizenship through fraudulent means is illegal and punishable by law.

This means that if a person enters Canada on a visitor visa with the intention of giving birth there and then leaving soon after, it could be considered fraudulent activity and could result in consequences such as deportation or denial of future entry into the country.

Canadian Government’s Stance

In recent years, there have been concerns about the rise of birth tourism in Canada. Some people argue that it puts an unnecessary strain on the healthcare system and can be used as a way for parents to gain access to social services without contributing to the economy.

In response to these concerns, the Canadian government has taken steps to discourage birth tourism. In January 2020, it announced that it would no longer grant citizenship to babies born to foreign diplomats and other representatives of foreign governments who are stationed in Canada.

In addition, some Canadian hospitals have started charging higher fees for non-residents who give birth there, in an effort to recover the costs associated with providing healthcare services.

Conclusion

While the Canadian Citizenship Act does not explicitly prohibit birth tourism, it is important for individuals considering this practice to be aware of the potential consequences and risks involved. The Canadian government continues to monitor the situation and take steps to discourage birth tourism, so it is important to stay informed about any changes in regulations or policies.