• Nigerian women make up nearly 25% of birth tourists in some countries
• Better healthcare, citizenship benefits, and family support are key motivations
• Most experiences are positive despite occasional challenges with costs and discrimination

Nigerian women traveling abroad to give birth have gained significant attention worldwide in recent years. This practice, sometimes referred to as “birth tourism” or the “Lagos Shuttle” in the UK, represents a growing trend with deep socioeconomic implications.

The Scale of Nigerian Birth Tourism

Recent studies paint a compelling picture of this trend. Research conducted in Calgary, Canada, found that 24.5% of foreign women who traveled specifically to give birth were Nigerian. Similarly, 88% of foreign citizens seeking obstetric care in Chicago were Nigerian nationals.

The desire to give birth outside Nigeria is widespread, with estimates suggesting that over 23% of pregnant Nigerian women would prefer to deliver their babies abroad if given the opportunity.

First-Hand Experiences: A Groundbreaking Study

Our pioneering research, published in PLOS Global Public Health, provides valuable insights by directly interviewing 27 Nigerian women who gave birth abroad. This approach fills a crucial gap in existing literature by centering the voices of these women’s perspectives that should inform healthcare delivery and immigration policies.

The study participants had given birth in various countries:

• 23 women in the United States
• 4 women in the United Kingdom
• Individual cases in Canada, Ireland, and Zambia

All participants had at least a university degree, indicating a specific demographic engaging in this practice.

What Motivates Nigerian Women to Give Birth Abroad?

1. Citizenship Benefits

Many women were motivated by the perceived advantages of foreign citizenship for their children, including:

• Better educational opportunities
• Improved living environments
• Enhanced access to jobs and financial services

2. Superior Healthcare

Women cited negative experiences with Nigerian healthcare systems or concerns about high-risk pregnancies, particularly after:

• Previous traumatic birth experiences in Nigeria
• Years of infertility leading to “precious babies”

3. Family Support Networks

A previously unreported motivation was the presence of loved ones abroad who could provide crucial support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. As of 2023, over 760,000 Americans were of Nigerian origin, and many women have established support networks overseas.

Decision-Making Process

The decision to give birth abroad varies in timing and influence:

• Some women planned for foreign births long before conception
• Others were encouraged by family, friends, or colleagues
• Financial improvements enabled some to pursue this option

The Birth Tourism Experience

While experiences were largely positive, challenges did exist:

• Some women reported discrimination based on their self-paying status, race, or nationality
• Travel complications occasionally led to life-threatening situations
• Healthcare costs were generally high but manageable through payment plans or hospital discounts

Many women reported that their support systems—often family members from Nigeria—were crucial to their positive experiences.

The Jàpa Factor and Future Trends

The ongoing exodus of Nigerians abroad (locally known as “jàpa”) means that more Nigerian women are likely to have support systems overseas, potentially increasing birth tourism rates.

This research highlights the need for:

• Improved healthcare quality in Nigeria to reduce the need for medical tourism
• Care guidelines in host countries to ensure quality treatment for all pregnant women, regardless of origin
• Safeguards against potential policy changes like those proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has targeted both visa approvals for pregnant women and birthright citizenship

As international policies continue to evolve—particularly with Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency and his focus on abolishing birthright citizenship—understanding the complex motivations behind birth tourism becomes increasingly important for developing humane and effective responses.

This research was conducted by medical and legal scholars, who aimed to better understand the motivations and experiences of Nigerian women giving birth abroad. The findings were published in PLOS Global Public Health.