Why Indian Parents Are Choosing Preterm Births in the US
With an impending change in US policy on birthright citizenship, many Indian couples in the United States are turning to preterm births through C-sections. This rush stems from the desire to ensure their children are born as American citizens before the policy takes effect.
What Is the Birthright Citizenship Deadline?
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship, effective February 20. According to this policy, children born to non-citizens after February 19 will no longer acquire automatic US citizenship.
Currently, thousands of Indian professionals working in the US on temporary visas, such as H-1B or L1, are caught in a lengthy green card backlog. Birthright citizenship has historically provided a pathway to stability, as children born in the US can later sponsor their parents for permanent residency when they turn 21.
The Growing Demand for Preterm Deliveries
Doctors across the US report a surge in requests for preterm births. Some women, who are not due until March or later, are asking for C-sections in their eighth or even seventh month of pregnancy to meet the February 19 cutoff.
Dr. S.D. Rama, a gynecologist in New Jersey, shared, “A woman who is only seven months pregnant came with her husband to request a preterm delivery. She isn’t due until March.”
Similarly, Dr. S.G. Mukkala from Texas stated that he had spoken to 20 couples over just two days. While doctors are trying to discourage these requests due to health risks, the demand persists.
Health Risks of Preterm Births
Medical experts warn that preterm deliveries pose significant risks to both the mother and the child. Complications for premature babies include:
- Underdeveloped lungs
- Low birth weight
- Neurological issues
- Feeding difficulties
Despite these concerns, the looming policy change has left many parents feeling they have no other option.
The Emotional Toll on Families
For many families, the situation is deeply unsettling. Priya, an expectant mother due in March, shared her anxieties, “We’ve been waiting for our green cards for six years. This was our only hope for stability. Now, everything feels uncertain.”
A 28-year-old father in the finance sector echoed these sentiments, saying, “We sacrificed so much to come here, and now it feels like the door is closing on us.”
For some undocumented immigrants, the situation is even more dire. A California man, who entered the US illegally eight years ago, said, “We thought our child could give us a chance at stability. Now, we don’t know what to do.”
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The decision to opt for preterm births has sparked discussions online. While some empathize with the parents’ choices, others have questioned the long-term consequences.
On platforms like Reddit, users have shared both supportive and critical views. One user wrote, “Doctors will assess the risks, but parents aren’t being irresponsible. They’re just trying to secure their family’s future.”
However, others suggested alternative paths, with comments like, “It might be time to come back to India or explore opportunities in other countries.”
The Larger Picture: A Test for the American Dream
The new policy has placed the American Dream under scrutiny. For many Indian immigrants, birthright citizenship offered hope amidst the uncertainty of the green card backlog. The abrupt change has left families grappling with difficult decisions, balancing health risks with the desire for a secure future.
As the February 19 deadline approaches, the debate around this issue continues, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrant families navigating shifting policies in pursuit of stability and opportunity.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
