12 countries where Russian women give birth: “birth tourism” without borders

An increasing number of Russian women are opting to give birth overseas, adopting the practice known as "birth tourism." This increasingly common occurrence enables them to give birth in various nations, frequently obtaining extra advantages like their child’s citizenship, access to first-rate healthcare, and the opportunity to travel to new places.

The list of nations that welcome Russian expectant mothers is growing, ranging from the US to Europe and far-flung places like Thailand. Every destination has its own special benefits, such as access to top-notch medical care, lax visa requirements, or chances for a new beginning.

This article will examine the factors that make each of the twelve well-known nations where Russian women are choosing to give birth appealing to prospective mothers. There are a lot of opportunities in the world, and these places are helping Russian women to grow their families internationally.

Country	Why Popular with Russian Women
USA	Birthright citizenship ensures the child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen.
Canada	No visa required for Russian tourists, and children born here gain citizenship.
Spain	High-quality healthcare and potential for residency after birth.
Greece	Affordable maternity services and beautiful environment.
Argentina	Citizenship granted at birth with no complex residency requirements.
Brazil	Automatic citizenship for the child and easy residency options for parents.
Turkey	Proximity to Russia and good medical services make it convenient.
Mexico	Citizenship by birth and attractive real estate options for families.
Portugal	Citizenship after a few years, making it a popular choice.
Italy	Good medical care and lifestyle, with long-term residency benefits.
France	Excellent healthcare and potential residency for families.
Germany	High standard of medical care and future citizenship opportunities.

Features of childbirth abroad

Among the benefits of planning foreign births are:

• need to obtain a visa,
• difficulties with air travel in the late stages of pregnancy (they are prohibited by most airlines),
• need to translate medical documents,
• desirability of knowing the language of another country (or having a translator),
• search for housing for the period before and after childbirth,
• hassle with paperwork for the child.

Currently, though, a lot of organizations handle the resolution of all these issues, particularly when it comes to travel to the United States or Israel.

USA

In America, giving birth is an expensive pleasure: depending on the city, the entire package of costs will come to roughly 20–25 thousand dollars (of which the cost for a natural birth is roughly 7–10 thousand, and for a C-section, 10-15 thousand). The cost of giving birth in a clinic with a doctor who speaks Russian is half that of giving birth in a typical large hospital.

Everyone born in the United States becomes a citizen of this nation, even though the current administration plans to abolish the "right of the land." Consequently, this citizenship will facilitate his international travel, allow him to pursue an education in the United States, and, in the event that a son is born, enable him to make ends meet with a brief contract service in the United States rather than enlisting in the Russian army. Finally, it will enable his parents to become citizens of the United States once the child reaches adulthood.

The benefits of giving birth in the United States are thought to include obtaining citizenship as well as access to high-quality medical care, extensive experience treating congenital diseases, the ability to nurse premature babies, and the ability to manage a pregnancy in the event that the mother has a serious illness.

Miami (a seaside resort with good ecology but a hot climate), New York (direct flights from Russia, many Russian-speaking doctors), and Los Angeles (mild climate but high prices) are the most popular destinations for Russian "maternity tourists."

Typically, expenses include accommodation for several months – in order not to take risks when flying at a late date and have no problems with airlines, as well as have time to acclimatize. In addition, after childbirth, the preparation of all the necessary documents will take a lot of time.
Not only epidural anesthesia, but even a cesarean section can be chosen here simply at will (however, it will not be cheap) – in America, one of the highest percentages of such operations is performed.
The length of stay in the hospital after childbirth in the USA is one of the shortest in the world – from 24 to 48 hours, if there are no complications. The child is usually with the mother.

Due to improved healthcare, more advantageous citizenship options, or just a desire for a change of scenery, Russian women who wish to give birth abroad have been more and more inclined to engage in "birth tourism" in recent years. This article examines 12 nations where Russian women are opting to give birth, emphasizing the reasons for this trend, the advantages of each location, and the effects on the families and the nations in question.

Great Britain

For foreigners, the cost of giving birth in this country ranges from 8,000 to 10,000 dollars.

Compared to America or Thailand, Great Britain for residents of, say, Moscow is almost nearby, which means there is no need to fly long or acclimatize. That is why people usually come here in the last stages of pregnancy, and return home a month after giving birth. Mothers expecting several babies often go to the UK to give birth – English doctors have extensive experience in managing multiple pregnancies and nursing twins.
Here it is customary to draw up a birth plan with a doctor in advance, taking into account all the nuances: where the birth will take place, whether the woman wants pain relief and what kind, who will be present at the birth, whether a pool is needed, etc.p.

In the UK, you have the option of having the birth at home, in an obstetric center, or in a hospital.

The first option is for those who are afraid of complications, in a hospital a doctor is present at the birth, anesthesia is possible, and if necessary – a cesarean section. Wards in hospitals – for 4-6 people. In an obstetric center, pain relief is only paracetamol and inhalation of nitrous oxide; only midwives deliver babies, the environment is more comfortable, the wards are individual. This option is only for uncomplicated births on time, as well as home births with a midwife. The anhydrous period is considered safe here 48 hours.
After giving birth, the mother and child are discharged within 24 hours, after a cesarean section – after three, and while she is in the hospital, visits are allowed without any certificates and gowns.

In theory, all women are required by English law to give birth here for free; if you do not select a clinic, your only expenses will be for a visa, airfare, and lodging (though the latter is not inexpensive). A significant number of "birth tourists" are evident here; foreign nationals, including Russians, attend 25% of all births in the UK.

Germany

In Germany, the cost of a natural birth is 8–10 thousand euros for foreigners, while a C-section is 10–20 thousand euros.

For Russian women planning to give birth abroad, Germany is probably the most popular. In addition to the high level of medicine and service, the similarity of the climate and the relative proximity to Russia are attractive: you can get here, avoiding a flight, by train or car.
In addition, in Germany they undertake to deliver babies from women with a serious medical history, for example, with oncological diseases, HIV, after serious abdominal surgeries, etc. d.
Usually Russian women come to Germany about a month before the expected date of birth. After choosing a clinic, you can go on a tour: you will be given a lecture, shown a film, introduced to the conditions of stay. You can meet midwives in advance, take courses for expectant mothers.
Water births are very common in Germany, and you can also choose any comfortable position for childbirth – standing, lying down, sitting. Pain relief is provided at the request of the woman in labor. 1-2 relatives (husband, friend …) can be present at the birth.

As soon as the baby is born, you have to announce his name because the paperwork is prepared for him!

It is interesting that in Germany there are no accepted diets for nursing mothers, almost everything, with the exception of alcohol, is allowed. The menu in the clinics can be made up at the request of the woman. Visits are allowed unlimited, and for this you do not need special clothes or shoes. A photo session is held right in the maternity hospital for the mother with the newborn, and upon discharge from the clinic a gift is given – it includes a sleeping bag, hygiene products, educational magazines for mothers.
After giving birth, the mother and baby are discharged four days later, but they will not be able to go home immediately: the child and mother are required to be monitored by local doctors for three weeks.

Finland

In Finland, the cost of giving birth is between $5,000 and $5,000.

The international group "Save the Children" claims that Finland is the greatest place to give birth! Here, there is virtually no chance that a laboring woman will die.

Furthermore, Finland and Russia are extremely close! There are a lot of Russian-speaking doctors employed here. As a result, the number of Russian women desiring to become pregnant in Finland is continually rising. Complex births and multiple pregnancies are managed by Finnish physicians.

Every woman who has given birth here raves about the excellent attitude and high caliber of care provided by the clinic staff. More akin to a comfortable room with a rocking chair is the perinatal ward. Anesthesia is administered based on indications; "laughing gas" is the most common type. Partner births are encouraged, just like in practically every nation in Europe. If all goes according to plan after the birth, the mother and child can be released right away! However, you are also welcome to spend a day or two at the clinic. In the latter scenario, you are free to remain with the child or apart from them, at the mother’s choice.

France

The price range for childbirth is between $10,000 and $30,000. The clinic’s level determines a wide range of prices.

Giving birth in France is a costly experience that is comparable in cost to giving birth in Switzerland. Expectant mothers are drawn to France not only for the excellent medical care and comfortable surroundings, but also because giving birth here will facilitate their child’s acquisition of French citizenship, which requires five years of residency before becoming an adult. You have to come here for a prenatal examination by the 28th week of pregnancy if you plan to give birth in France. French physicians have a great deal of experience managing multiple pregnancies, diabetes, hypertension, and internal organ diseases in pregnant women.

In France, taking pain medication during childbirth is practically required. You have the option of choosing between a cesarean section or a natural childbirth in addition to the pain management technique.

In France, it is customary to have partner births, and the father is typically asked to cut the umbilical cord. Following delivery, the mother and child are closely watched: they spend three to five days in the maternity hospital, where the newborn is subjected to numerous examinations, including tests for genetic diseases, internal organ ultrasonography, and hearing and vision.

Israel

A childbirth can cost anywhere from six to thirty thousand dollars (EP – six, CS – twelve, private clinics up to thirty).

Here is excellent medicine, prices are lower than in Europe and a very high percentage of Russian-speaking doctors and staff – most likely, you will not need a translator! As in the United States, the services of intermediary firms are well developed here, taking on all legal and organizational hassles. "Maternity tourists" usually arrive in the country in the third trimester, as late as health and … airlines allow, that is, at about 34 weeks.
Israeli doctors are focused on natural childbirth, and cesarean sections are done only for serious indications (although, here they include breech presentation, with the exception of a few clinics). In Israel, they are not fond of episiotomy, stimulation during childbirth is usually not used.

You can stay anhydrous for up to 36 hours. However, everyone who requests it gets epidural anesthesia, and aromatherapy and acupuncture are also used.

Relatives can be present at the birth.
After childbirth, the mother and baby stay in the clinic from 2 to 5 days, after a cesarean section 10-14 days. The mother and child can be together or separately – at the request of the woman. The wards are designed for 1-3 people. It is interesting that you practically do not need your own things in the maternity hospital – everything necessary for child care and personal hygiene is in the clinic itself.
The mother and child are examined by doctors several times, the baby is screened for pathologies, tests, if the parents do not mind – the first vaccinations are given, similar to the practice of Russian maternity hospitals. To pick up the baby from the maternity hospital, a car seat is required. The clinic gives the newborn a gift.
It is better to return to Russia after giving birth not immediately, but about a month later, so that the newborn has time to get stronger.

Spain

The price range for giving birth is 3 to 5 thousand euros, and for a cesarean section it is 6 to 8 thousand euros.

A short flight (if we are talking about the European portion of Russia), reasonably cheap prices, and a pleasant climate have all contributed to Spain’s rise in popularity among international mothers in recent years. By the way, free childbirth is possible if a foreign woman has a visa and is registered at her place of residence! You will need to travel to Spain multiple times or arrive in advance, several months prior to the birth, as Spanish physicians prefer to become familiar with the course of pregnancy beforehand.

In Spain, it is required to complete a psychological prenatal program. Additionally, since most medical staff only speaks Spanish, you might need a translator. Similar to Russia, childbirth in Spain involves prenatal, delivery, and postnatal wards, a caesarean section if necessary, and anesthesia—at the woman’s request.

It’s interesting to note that in Spain, the umbilical cord is simply clamped rather than cut; instead, people wait for it to dry out and fall off naturally.

The mother and child are allowed to stay together for the full three days (or five days after a caesarean section) that they spend in the clinic. In private clinics, one gets better service, but the cost is also higher. The child will be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship under a streamlined program once he reaches adulthood because he was born in Spain. In Spain, children can only receive vaccinations starting at two months of age. Usually, a couple of months later, the mother and child go back to their home country and start the vaccination process there.

Czech Republic

The cost of a caesarean section is between 6500 and 8000 euros, while childbirth costs roughly 3.5 thousand euros.

So close and understandable, the Czech Republic is perhaps one of the most accessible countries for maternity tourism for Russian women. However, you will need a Schengen visa to enter the country.
The language barrier here is minimal: there are many Russian-speaking doctors, and literally everyone speaks English. The climate is also similar to the Russian one. You can come to the Czech Republic just three to four weeks before giving birth, and you can avoid flying. After arriving, the woman undergoes an examination at the clinic where she is going to give birth. However, if you want to give birth in one of the well-known large maternity centers, you need to register there in advance, around the fourth month of pregnancy!

One noteworthy aspect of childbirth in the Czech Republic and local obstetrics in general is the preponderance of male physicians. On the other hand, a doula can assist you in giving birth at home if there are no health issues.

Otherwise, childbirth in the Czech Republic is approximately the same as in other European countries: two relatives or close friends can be present, after childbirth visiting is free; you can choose the position of childbirth, and if you wish, give birth in water; after childbirth, the baby is with the mother. Pain relief is usually given only for medical reasons, the percentage of caesarean sections in the Czech Republic is low.
They are in no hurry to discharge the mother and baby home: as in Russia, they will have to spend 3-5 days in the maternity hospital, and after a caesarean section at least a week. Everyone notes the extraordinary cleanliness and comfort in the wards, delicious food for the mother, the presence of everything necessary (clothes, hygiene products) for the child.
By the way, in the Czech Republic, unlike Russia, a ceremonial discharge from the maternity hospital is not accepted – everything happens everyday, right in the ward.

Switzerland

A caesarean section costs thirty thousand euros, while a natural birth costs twenty-two thousand euros.

Here are the highest prices for childbirth in Europe, but at the same time – a high level of medicine, a wonderful climate and ecology, excellent service and comfort.
This is an option for very wealthy people (or citizens of Switzerland). Both in public and private clinics will have the highest level of service! As a rule, the clinic "leads" the patient from the 12th week of pregnancy, conducting all kinds of examinations.
In addition to the quality of service, maternity clinics in Switzerland are famous for their ability to perfectly deliver babies after a previous cesarean section. In general, they are focused on the maximum naturalness of the birth process, although, of course, you will be provided with all the necessary assistance during childbirth. You can give birth in any position.

In Switzerland, the mother giving birth may only have her husband present. Before, during, and after childbirth, the spouses are in the same room, and the father doesn’t even need to change into new shoes! The mother and infant spend a full week in the clinic, which is a comparatively long stay. But after giving birth, walks are permitted as well as visits from anyone who would like to see the mother and child!

In other words, childbirth in Switzerland is viewed as a perfectly normal process. Women can even go shopping (of course, if their condition permits), and nannies will take care of the baby during this time.

The clinic always gives the newborn a gift when they are released.

Austria

A cesarean section costs 10,000 euros, while a natural birth costs 7,500 euros.

The quality of the medication and services is nearly identical, despite the prices being significantly lower than in Germany. Due to the low birth rate in recent years, obstetrics receives a large amount of funding and every pregnancy is valued here. You can travel to Austria up to one month before giving birth, or even later, as Russian women do not require acclimatization.

You can walk close to the clinic, swing on a rocking chair, or even go in the pool while giving birth. Although anesthesia is used at the woman’s request, massage and aromatherapy are also used. However, anesthesia is not particularly welcomed.

Usually, if there are no complications, childbirth occurs in a separate delivery room with the assistance of a midwife (and husband).

The mother and child stay in the clinic for five to seven days after giving birth. You can stroll outside in the fresh air; the wards are typically very cozy. Physicians recommend remaining in Austria for a few more weeks after giving birth (usually for documentation purposes). The infant is observed by clinic physicians for the duration of this time.

Canada

Foreign women give birth here for as little as 13,000 Canadian dollars, with a total cost of roughly 50,000. Among the highest prices in the world is this one.

People also come to Canada in order to become citizens because there, the "right of the soil" is upheld. Additionally, just like in the USA, the postpartum stay in this clinic is incredibly brief—just one day (three in the case of a cesarean section)! Another characteristic of Canadian maternity hospitals is that, in the event that the birth is uneventful, pain medication is almost never used.

This may come as a surprise to Russian readers, but in Canada, the appropriate duration for dehydration is three days!

Additionally, the standard of care in this country is so high that there is very little chance of complications; Canada has a very low infant mortality rate, few difficulties during childbirth, and great experience caring for premature babies.

As in most countries, partner births and unlimited visits afterwards are common practice in Canada. The mother and child are together, they are examined by doctors, the child"s hearing is checked and a number of tests are done. By the way, in the absence of complications, you can give birth at home, with a midwife.
To travel to Canada, the expectant mother needs to obtain a visa, having obtained the consent of the clinic in advance and having booked a place to stay. Even if you entrust all the hassle to an intermediary company, the preparation will take at least a couple of months. At the same time, keep in mind that you will most likely have to fly before 28-30 weeks, most airlines will not allow a passenger on board at a later date.
It will also not be possible to quickly leave the country after giving birth – the process of paperwork will take 2-3 months, during which the newborn will be monitored by a pediatrician. By the way, the first documents are already drawn up in the delivery room, as in Germany, and by this time the parents must choose a name for the baby.

Thailand

In a public clinic, the cost of a natural birth is $400–500; in a private clinic, it starts at $1,500 (a cesarean section costs $3,000).

Many Russian families have been giving birth in Thailand lately. Reviews indicate that while many aspects of Thai maternity wards are comparable to those in Russia, high-quality hospitals in major cities will provide better care. English is the language most doctors speak. Although public clinics are far less expensive, the quality of care is generally worse.

Nonetheless, the main reason women travel to Thailand for childbirth is to enjoy the final trimester of their pregnancy and the postpartum period in a warm, sunny location close to the sea, where there is an abundance of fresh fruit.

But the expectant mother needs to exercise caution when following an unusual diet, especially at first! Furthermore, Thailand has a number of indigenous illnesses, such as the well-known Dengue fever, so expecting mothers must take extra precautions with their hygiene!

For a maternity tour, you will need either a medical or a tourist visa. Of course, given the significant difference in the climates of our countries, it makes sense to arrive in Thailand in advance, especially since most airlines do not undertake to transport women in the last weeks of pregnancy. And it is better for the baby to get a little stronger after birth before flying to Russia. And some mothers even decide to stay in Thailand for the first year or two of the baby"s life – to raise him in warmth and comfort.
Medicine in Thailand, like in all Asian countries, has a peculiarity: it is not customary to discuss doctors" appointments or ask them questions.

Examining the birth tourism phenomenon reveals a wide range of opportunities and reasons why Russian women choose to give birth overseas. Every nation on the list has special advantages, ranging from varied citizenship laws to healthcare benefits. A clear understanding of these options can assist prospective parents in making well-informed decisions that complement their family and personal objectives.

Birth tourism is a reflection of larger global trends in mobility and choice, whether motivated by the need for better healthcare, educational opportunities, or other factors. By looking at the different nations where Russian women decide to have children, we can better understand the intricate factors that play a role in this important choice.

In the end, birth tourism represents the various ways that families attempt to ensure the best future for their children and goes beyond simply being a passing fad in travel. The options accessible to expectant parents will probably change as national borders become increasingly hazy, presenting both new opportunities and difficulties along the road.

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