From MRIs to major dental work to hair transplants, more Americans are heading overseas to cut medical costs—and it turns out, childbirth is no exception. A growing number of U.S. parents are finding that giving birth abroad doesn’t just ease the financial burden, it can offer added benefits, from more holistic maternity care to dual citizenship for baby.

A recent survey from Greenback Expat Tax Services found that over half of U.S. expats (54%) have had a child while living abroad. Nearly 60% of millennial expats had already done so, while 63% of Gen Z expats said they were seriously considering it.

So what’s behind the trend? Largely, it comes down to cost. Four in five parents who gave birth abroad say it was ultimately more affordable than delivering in the U.S. From bundled maternity packages and significantly lower hospital fees to stronger paid parental leave policies, many expat parents say the experience is both easier on their wallets and better supported overall.

But the financial perks aren’t the only draw. The US currently has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries—a troubling reality that’s prompting some parents to seek safer, more supportive care elsewhere. In some cases, giving birth abroad also opens the door to dual citizenship for baby, a benefit that can offer long-term flexibility and opportunity. According to the survey, the most popular countries for childbirth among expats seeking citizenship advantages are the UK, Canada and Germany.

Still, giving birth abroad isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While many parents say the experience was positive—93% of millennial expats and 89% of Gen Z expats would recommend it—some families ultimately return to the U.S. to raise their children, citing a desire to stay close to extended family or preserve cultural traditions.

As more parents weigh the realities of growing their families in a healthcare system that often feels overwhelming and expensive, giving birth abroad is emerging as a surprisingly practical choice. For many, it’s less about escape and more about seeking a system that aligns with their values, budgets and hopes for a supported start to parenthood.

Money & Finances