-
US Warns Against Birth Tourism, Triggers Fresh Calls for Hospital Reforms in Nigeria.
-
NMA urges hospital reforms over foreign policy reactions.
-
Diplomats say Nigeria must fix systemic health sector failures.
The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning that visa applications will be denied if consular officers suspect the applicant intends to give birth in the US primarily to obtain citizenship for their child.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Hailey Bieber Clears Air on $1 Billion Rhode Sale
- Presidential Jet Returns After Repaint In South Africa
- Osimhen Finally Set for €75m Permanent Galatasaray Move
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the notice, posted on Monday via @USinNigeria on X (formerly Twitter), emphasized that such practices—commonly referred to as “birth tourism”—violate US visa policy. “We will deny your visa if we believe your primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States,” the post read, using hashtags #VisaWiseTravelSmart and #USVisa.
The announcement has reignited national debate, prompting calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s health sector. Former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, described the policy as part of a broader immigration clampdown resembling the Trump-era restrictions. He noted that while the US has a right to enforce its laws, Nigeria must strengthen its domestic systems in response.
Similarly, ex-Consul to Cameroon, Amb Rasheed Akinkuolie, warned against visibly pregnant women travelling to the US, noting ongoing legal challenges in America around birthright citizenship. He added that airlines typically avoid boarding late-term pregnant women due to liability concerns in case of in-flight labour emergencies.
In response, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) urged the federal government to address the root causes driving medical and birth tourism. NMA President, Prof Bala Audu, said that improving healthcare infrastructure and working conditions is the real solution.
He stressed that many Nigerians pursue birth tourism not due to medical need but in pursuit of foreign citizenship for their children.
FURTHER READING
- Trump Accuses Biden Administration of Planting His Name in Epstein Files
- Stop the Tragedies — Tinubu Calls for Action on Waterway Safety
- Floods Drive Hippos Into Homes, Farmlands in Adamawa
