Fearful of losing the right to automatic citizenship for their children, many Indian parents in the US are opting for premature Caesarean sections in the final weeks of their pregnancies.

This desperate measure comes in response to the former president's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born on US soil to non-citizens. The impending deadline had triggered a wave of anxiety among immigrant families, with many concerned about their children's future status.

According to TOI, Dr SD Rama, a maternity clinic worker in New Jersey, reported numerous requests for preterm deliveries. She mentioned a case where a seven-month pregnant woman scheduled an early delivery due in March.

 “A woman who is seven months pregnant came with her husband to schedule an early delivery. She’s due in March,” she said.

Impact on immigration policy

The impending change in immigration policy has created a sense of urgency, particularly among Indian families who often face long wait times for green cards.

"With the backlog for green cards stretching to over a century now, birthright citizenship was a safety net for many expectant couples, especially Indians working in the US," observed an immigration lawyer.

Risks of preterm births

Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, carries substantial risks for the infant. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), complications arising from preterm birth are the leading cause of death among children under five years of age.

Dr SG Mukkala, an obstetrician in Texas, warned couples about the risks of preterm births, including underdeveloped lungs, feeding issues, low birth weight, and neurological complications. He emphasised the significant risks to both mother and child.

A recent study in Frontiers in Pediatrics highlighted the significant challenges faced by preterm infants.

"Preterm infants frequently experience respiratory distress syndrome, which occurs when the baby's lungs are underdeveloped and unable to produce enough surfactant, which helps keep the lungs open," the study noted.

Furthermore, premature delivery can lead to serious complications such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a condition that inflames and damages the intestines. Neurological disorders, including cerebral palsy, and developmental delays are also significant concerns for children born prematurely.