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Childbirth/Canadian Citizen childbirth in US

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Expert: - 1/4/2009


Question
My girlfriend is pregnant, is a citizen of Canada only, lives and works in Canada.  I am a citizen of the USA.  I pick her up to spend time in the US quite often.  The pregnancy is planned to happen in Canada, but there is that risk that she could go into labor while visiting in the US.  If she does, would Canada still cover the expenses?  Is there a resource I can look into about this?

Answer
Anthony,

If she gives birth in the US, the baby would be a US citizen. It would be her/your responsibility to pay for any and all medical expenses.


In addition, although I'm not aware how strictly this regulation is enforced, she could be denied entry to the US if she is deemed likely to give birth while in the US without sufficient means to pay for her medical expenses  -  see the Customs policy here:

http://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=882&p_cr...


You can check with the US Consulate and Customs for further guidance.



Best,
Catherine  

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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