In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship starting February 20, many Indian couples in the United States are requesting preterm cesarean deliveries to ensure their children are born before the policy change. This trend has raised significant health concerns among medical professionals.
Dr. S.D. Rama, a maternity specialist in New Jersey, has observed a rise in such requests. She shared an instance of a woman, seven months pregnant and due in March, who sought an early delivery to secure her child’s U.S. citizenship.
Medical experts are alarmed, warning that preterm deliveries can lead to severe risks, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and complications from surgery. They stress the importance of full-term pregnancies for the safety and well-being of both mother and child.
Adding a twist to the situation, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the executive order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” This intervention has provided temporary relief to expectant parents concerned about the policy change.
This scenario highlights how immigration policies can profoundly influence personal health decisions, exposing the challenges faced by immigrant communities in navigating uncertain legal landscapes.
