House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Doctor Linked to Birth Tourism Scheme

<p>House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., has issued a subpoena to Dr. Wladimir Lorentz, who is allegedly involved in a birth tourism scheme based in Florida. This action follows Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, targeting the practice after previous scrutiny of the Smithsonian Institution's teaching of American history.</p><p>Gill's task force, part of the House Oversight Committee, is preparing for a hearing on birth tourism, a practice that the White House recently highlighted. The hearing is scheduled for September 1.</p><p>Comer accused Lorentz of not agreeing to appear voluntarily through his attorney, who cited a pending criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida. In a letter accompanying the subpoena, Comer stated, "As the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of a company doing business as 'Have My Baby in Miami,' your knowledge regarding the company’s marketing practices and direct observations relevant to the birth tourism industry is vital to the immediate investigation."</p><p>Comer expressed concerns about national security related to birth tourism, stating that delaying the hearing would hinder the Committee's ability to gather important information. Gill supported these concerns, noting that the industry is marketing American citizenship to foreign nationals who come to the U.S. to give birth.</p><p>The hearing is expected to include testimony from Dr. Steve Camarota of the Center for Immigration Studies and Dr. Julio César Novoa, owner of International Maternity Services.</p><p>Birth tourism refers to the practice of foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. on temporary visas to give birth, thereby granting U.S. citizenship to their children. Former President Donald Trump previously targeted birth tourism through an executive order after the Supreme Court rejected his efforts to limit birthright citizenship.</p><p>Have My Baby in Miami is one of several companies facilitating this practice, although its website and social media pages were reportedly disabled as of Thursday. A YouTube page associated with the business offered information on delivering in the U.S. and the costs involved.</p><p>It remains uncertain whether Lorentz will comply with the subpoena, as failing to do so could lead to criminal charges.</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to Lorentz's lawyer for comment.</p>