Birth tourism refers to the practice of travelling to another country to give birth, ensuring the newborn receives citizenship of that country. This phenomenon has sparked debates, especially in countries like Canada, which follows the jus soli (right of the soil) principle, granting citizenship to anyone born on its land.
Recently, a video by Canadian X user Chad Eros went viral, alleging that Indian women were flooding Canadian hospitals to deliver babies. The claim suggested that Indian women were exploiting Canada’s healthcare system to secure citizenship for their children. Eros also insinuated that this practice could eventually lead to entire families immigrating to Canada under family reunification policies. However, are Indians truly significant contributors to birth tourism in Canada?
The Viral Video’s Claim
Eros shared an anecdote from his niece’s delivery, where a nurse allegedly mentioned that maternity wards were filled with Indian women flying to Canada to give birth. He argued that this practice burdened Canadian taxpayers.
However, in a subsequent post, Eros clarified that Indians weren’t the only group engaging in birth tourism. His comments sparked widespread online debate, highlighting the need to examine actual data.
Birth Tourism in Canada: Who’s Really Driving It?
Canada’s jus soli citizenship policy makes it a hotspot for birth tourism. Women from various countries travel to Canada to ensure their children have a Canadian passport, seen as a gateway to better opportunities and a secure future. This trend has been particularly noticeable in provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, where healthcare systems often face strain from non-resident births.
Birth tourism is no cheap affair. The process, often facilitated by “birth hotels,” can cost around $30,000. These establishments arrange accommodations, navigate border issues, and provide support throughout the pregnancy. Many participants view it as an investment in their child’s future.
Pre-Pandemic Trends: The Chinese Connection
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese nationals were the predominant participants in Canada’s birth tourism industry. Cities like Richmond, near Vancouver, became hubs for this practice, with non-resident mothers accounting for about 20% of births at Richmond Hospital. Birth hotels catering specifically to Chinese clients thrived, promoting the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
However, pandemic-related travel restrictions significantly reduced this trend. Andrew Griffith, a former Canadian immigration official, noted a decline in birth tourism from China in British Columbia post-pandemic.
Post-Pandemic Shift: The Rise of Nigerian Birth Tourists
While the numbers from China dwindled, Nigerians emerged as a prominent group engaging in birth tourism. A 2019–2020 study revealed that 24.5% of non-resident mothers giving birth in Calgary were Nigerians. Their primary motivation? Securing Canadian citizenship for their children.
Data from Biomedical Health Services indicates that Nigerians now lead birth tourism in Canada, followed by groups from the Middle East and China. This shift underscores the evolving dynamics of the phenomenon.
Are Indians Driving Birth Tourism?
Contrary to viral claims, Indians are not major contributors to birth tourism in Canada. In British Columbia, where Indians are the second-largest immigrant group, non-resident births have decreased post-pandemic. This suggests that Indians are not a significant factor in birth tourism trends.
Anecdotal evidence, like the nurse’s observations shared by Eros, may confuse Canadian-born women of Indian descent with visitors from India. Currently, there is no substantial data indicating that Indians dominate or even significantly contribute to birth tourism in Canada.
The Bigger Issue: Public Resentment and Policy Debates
While birth tourism remains a small fraction of overall immigration, it has fueled resentment among many Canadians. Critics argue that it exploits the healthcare system and undermines the spirit of Canadian citizenship.
In Richmond, a 2019 poll revealed that 64% of residents supported stricter measures to curb birth tourism, with 60% advocating for changes in citizenship laws. Despite this, experts like Griffith suggest that the practice is unlikely to be addressed comprehensively, given Canada’s ambitious immigration targets, which aim to admit 500,000 newcomers annually by 2025.
While birth tourism is a contentious issue in Canada, Indians do not appear to be driving the trend. The viral video’s claims lack substantial evidence and may stem from misunderstandings or isolated incidents. However, the broader conversation around birth tourism underscores growing concerns about its impact on Canada’s healthcare system and the need for clearer policies.
Canada’s challenge lies in balancing its inclusive immigration policies with the concerns of its citizens, ensuring fairness and sustainability in its approach to birth tourism.
