17pc more couples cross border for births despite curbs, fee rise
The number of mainland mothers giving birth in Hong Kong is still rising despite the introduction early this year of immigration curbs and higher medical fees.
The number of babies born to parents who both come from the mainland jumped to 12,596 in the first nine months of this year, up 17 per cent compared with the same period last year.
The total number of babies born to mainland women, including those married to Hongkongers, rose 5 per cent, to 18,917, indicating a fall in the number of births to mainlanders with Hong Kong husbands.
Over the period, 48,910 babies were born in the city - about 40 per cent to mainland women.
The Hospital Authority now charges mainland women who give birth in Hong Kong public hospitals between HK$39,000 and HK$48,000. The Immigration Department also stops pregnant mainland woman coming to the city if they do not have a doctor's appointment.
