RW going to US to give birth

[Larry1]

Russian Women Flock to Miami to Give Birth to U.S. Citizens (Video)

New generations of U.S. citizens are growing up in Russia. They do not, as a rule, speak fluent English. They have generally never lived in the U.S. In fact, they may have never even entered the country of their birth since they crossed the border in their mothers' wombs.

They are the result of birth tourism, a growing trend among Russians keen both to ensure their child has coveted U.S. citizenship and to make use of the country's vaunted private medical care...

One of the main attractions of a U.S. passport for Russians is that it bypasses the visa requirements that they are subject to when visiting many countries. With a U.S. passport, the child will be able to study and work in the U.S.

...Getting a U.S. passport is not the only factor, however. Some Russians — both first-time moms and those who have already had children in Russia — are seeking an alternative to the Russian medical system...

"Back then (10 years ago), there were no Western-style clinics here — it was just state maternity wards, and things were not good," said Nina. "There of course things were much better."

... Alexandra Badanina, who gave birth to a son on March 20 in Miami, had already had firsthand experience of a Russian maternity hospital when she decided to combine an extended beach holiday — together with her husband and daughter — with the birth of her second child. A major factor, she said, was to try "a different level of medicine, as my first child was born in Russia and the birth was not the best experience."

"When I asked one of the midwives — who were not even there most of the time — to at least hold my hand, she replied: 'What, you don't know how to give birth? But you knew how to spread your legs, didn't you! Now you must bear it.'"

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russian-women-flock-to-miami-to-give-birth-to-us-citizens-video/498066.html

The article goes on to say the cost of doing this ranges from $15,000 to 50,000.  And the US embassy in Moscow takes the position that visiting the US for this reason is perfectly acceptable.

[alex330]

We know one of the main Russian doctors here in Hallandale Beach (heavily Russian area 10 mins north of Miami) who delivers many of these babies. My wife has met several movie stars in his office while accompanying her friend for checkups while she was pregnant. We will probably use him when the time comes. He uses Western facilities and technology while holding on to some of the Russian techniques which seem to be better than ours.

[alex330]

My wife's friend paid 10k in cash, plus hospital fees. I am sure some pay a "celebrity" tax. Many of the Russian couples buy a vacation condo beforehand. Cash as well.