Nigeria: The Growing Fad Called Birth Tourism

13 June 2015

Chances that you will run into heavily pregnant woman/women on long-haul (international) flights, especially those to the United States are very high. Even when the bump is concealed, one can still tell she's in the early or late stages of her third trimester, a usually dangerous stage to fly. Unperturbed, she dares the journey which could run from 6 to 11 hours putting her health at risk, a very uncomfortable journey for her, especially on long haul flights over hours and in the economy class cabin where room space is smaller and tighter. For the average passenger, economy class cabin becomes more of an option due to financial capacity and not comfort. Leg room is small, seats are even smaller and the whole cabin is stuffier and more choked than its premium, business or first class cabin. Service is also not as dedicated and superior as these other cabins which further add to the plight of expectant mothers flying this class. But this has in no way served as a deterrent with the rising number still embarking on this high risk mission. Birth tourism is travel to another country for the purpose of giving birth in that country. Reasons for the practice include access to the destination country's healthcare system, and in countries that recognise birthright citizenship (under the principle of jus soli), to gain citizenship of that country at least for the child. Canada and the United States are the only developed countries that recognise birthright citizenship, and are the primary targets of birth tourism. Another target of birth tourism is Hong Kong, where the right of abode is awarded at birth instead of citizenship. To stop birth tourism, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom have a modified jus soli, granting citizenship by birth only when at least one parent is a citizen of the country or a legal permanent resident. Many Latin American countries also grant unconditional citizenship by birth.

The Driving Force The driving force behind such high-risk mission is being adduced by many as social factors ranging from social status to the grime future of Nigeria as a country perceived by some. But no reason holds sway as much as the privileges such passport confers on the holders, even much more than the seeming prestige of birthing babies over there. And it's no walk-in-the-park financially as it costs $25,000 to $60,000 especially when there are complications which sometimes happen with childbirth. Ante-natal service in Maryland, USA could go as high as $3,500 depending on the county one is domiciled. Compared to what one pays for the same service in an average hospital in Nigeria, its almost 300 per cent higher. Natural delivery in the same county could go as high as $2,500 and caesarean section even much higher than that. Ijeoma Osakwe (not real name) who had her daughter in Maryland, USA last July believes this is the best legacy she can bestow on her daughter. "It's very expensive but you cannot fault the high standard of their medical care and then, there's the ability to secure dual citizenship for her to avoid unnecessary embarrassment from various consulates and immigration officers whenever there is a need to travel. Let's be realistic, you command more respect with the blue and red passport than our green passport," she says proudly. Doubra Oluwatomiyin, Principal Partner, Lecer, a travel and tourism logistics-providing company does not share Osakwe's opinion. On the contrary, Oluwatominyin, who holds a dual citizenship, is of the belief that things should be done properly in order not to cheat citizens of these countries who are paying tax and should be the sole beneficiaries of this excellent medical system, except where it is an emergency. "It is wrong to practice birth tourism on a visiting or tourist visa. This seemingly seamless medical system is for their citizens. Moreover, birth tourism enriches and grows the gross domestic product (GDP) of the host country, especially when it's paid for. I know we have challenges with our medical system, especially when it comes to childbirth but putting to bed in any of these westernised countries will not bring the desired change we all yearn for. I had my two children in one of the European countries but that's because I'm a citizen and my husband works and lives there, and also pays his taxes," she explained.

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