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Am J Perinatol 2016; 33(14): 1415-1419
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1584139
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Birth Tourism and Neonatal Intensive Care: A Children's Hospital Experience

Michel Mikhael
1   Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Division, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
,
John P. Cleary
1   Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Division, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
,
Vijay Dhar
1   Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Division, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
,
Yanjun Chen
2   Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, California
,
Danh V. Nguyen
2   Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, California
3   Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, California
,
Anthony C. Chang
4   Cardiology Division, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, California
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

24 February 2016

24 March 2016

Publication Date:
16 May 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Objective The aim of this article is to examine characteristics of birth tourism (BT) neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods This was a retrospective review over 3 years; BT cases were identified, and relevant perinatal, medical, social, and financial data were collected and compared with 100 randomly selected non–birth tourism neonates.

Results A total of 46 BT neonates were identified. They were more likely to be born to older women (34 vs. 29 years; p < 0.001), via cesarean delivery (72 vs. 48%; p = 0.007), and at a referral facility (80 vs. 32%; p < 0.001). BT group had longer hospital stay (15 vs. 7 days; p = 0.02), more surgical intervention (50 vs. 21%; p < 0.001), and higher hospital charges (median $287,501 vs. $103,105; p = 0.003). One-third of BT neonates were enrolled in public health insurance program and four BT neonates (10%) were placed for adoption.

Conclusion Families of BT neonates admitted to the NICU face significant challenges. Larger studies are needed to better define impacts on families, health care system, and society.

Keywords

birth tourism - neonate - neonatal intensive care - children's hospital
 

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