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Texas Orders Probe of Hospital’s Spanish-Language ‘Birth Packages’ Ads

The state says the investigation could lead to civil or criminal referrals or administrative penalties if regulators find violations.

PRESIDIO, TEXAS - APRIL 10: The Presidio port of entry stands at the U.S.-Mexico border on April 10, 2026 in Presidio, Texas across the Rio Grande from Ojinaga, Mexico. Trump Administration plans to extend the U.S.-Mexico border wall through Presidio in west Texas' Big Bend region have sparked rare bi-partisan unity among Texans against construction through one of the most rugged and pristine parts of the United States. Critics of the construction say there is no need for a wall there, citing the low number of immigrants who attempt to cross through the forbidding terrain, even before current historic lows. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 04: U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) leaves a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on June 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Republicans met following the passage of the budget reconciliation bill. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 22: U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) questions Special Counsel Jack Smith as he testifies during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to investigate Mission Regional Medical Center after social media images showed Spanish-language billboards and a website advertising fixed-price childbirth packages.
  • The hospital confirmed responsibility for the ads, said the materials are no longer in use, removed the website havemybabyinTEXAS.com, and said it will cooperate with investigators.
  • The billboards reportedly listed prices starting near $3,950 for a natural birth and $5,525 for a C-section and used contact formatting aimed at callers in Mexico.
  • Under Abbott’s order HHSC will review the hospital’s marketing, licensing, billing and contractual practices and refer any suspected violations to the Texas attorney general or local prosecutors.
  • The probe follows a recent Supreme Court reaffirmation of birthright citizenship and a Justice Department memo prioritizing birth-tourism investigations and raises questions about strain on local hospitals and potential new state laws.