by There has been a growing trend of medical tourism over the past few decades, owing to the affordability and accessibility of quality healthcare in various international destinations. One segment gaining traction within the overall medical tourism industry is birth tourism, which involves traveling to another country for the purpose of giving birth and acquiring citizenship for the newborn child. Many expectant mothers from countries like China and Russia travel to destinations such as the United States to give birth, primarily motivated by the citizenship opportunities it presents for their child along with access to state-of-the-art medical facilities.
The Global Birth Tourism Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 425.8 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the birth tourism market are Memorial Healthcare System, Texas Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital , NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Fortis La Femme, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Motherhood Hospitals.
The key opportunities in the market include market prospects in emerging international destinations for Birth Tourism Market Growth as well as increasing advertising and promotion by tourism boards to attract expectant mothers from foreign countries. Technological advancements in areas such as fetal monitoring, pain management during delivery, neo-natal intensive care units etc. are also fueling the appeal of destination countries among birth tourists.
Market Drivers
A major driver for the birth tourism market is the opportunity it provides for families to secure US or other desired passports for their newborn. Countries like the US allow automatic citizenship acquisition if a baby is born on their soil. This is a major motivator for international expectant mothers to travel abroad closer to their delivery dates. Additionally, higher affordability and availability of quality private maternity packages aimed at foreign clients also boosts the market growth.
Current Challenges in Birth Tourism Market
While growth prospects exists, the birth tourism market is also facing some challenges. Issues around documentation and citizenship has made many countries impose strict visa rules to curb medical tourism solely for childbirth. Some countries have passed laws to deny citizenship to children born to birth tourists. Determining the true purpose and intent of a travel visa application has also become complex. High costs associated with complicated deliveries or preterm births is another challenge, as it increases the overall medical expenditure. Maintaining adequate infrastructure and skilled workforce to handle growing birth volumes is a resource intensive task as well.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Growth opportunities in countries with relaxed visa rules and birthright citizenship. Demand driven by desires for family integration and future education/job prospects of children.
Weakness: Legal and ethical issues around genuine medical intentions. Vulnerable to changes in nationality laws globally.
Opportunity: Potential in emerging Asian and Latin American markets with lower costs. Partnerships with overseas healthcare providers can aid market access.
Threats: Strict regulations and visa denials pose business risks. Slower globalization or rising nationalism may curb cross-border mobility.
Geographical Regions
North America accounts for around 35% of the global birth tourism market value currently, driven by the United States. Countries like Canada are also popular due to their proximity to the US. China has emerged as a major destination in recent years, attributed to factors like rising incomes and influence of the one-child policy. Western Europe contributes over 25% to the total marketled by the United Kingdom with a universal health system and stable political conditions. Growing markets include countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, which are attracting Chinese birth tourists through affordable packages and cultural affinity. The fastest growing regional market for birth tourism is projected to be Latin America during the forecast period, supported by Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and countries offering Spanish citizenship through birth. Geographical expansion within existing major destinations and diversification into new emerging markets will be key characteristics of future birth tourism market growth trends.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
