Mainland parents lash out at Leung ban on HK births

Chief executive-elect Leung Chun-ying's declared intention to ban pregnant mainlanders from giving birth in Hong Kong has provoked outrage and defiance north of the border, with agencies who arrange cross-border births advising their clients to disregard his warning.

'Don't listen to him [Leung]. There's no actual regulation by the Hong Kong government that bars mainlanders from giving birth in Hong Kong's private hospitals,' said a staff member at HKSBB, an agency in Shenzhen that helps mainland mothers-to-be give birth outside the mainland.

'It's still easy to book a bed in a Hong Kong private hospital if you are not more than six weeks' pregnant. But you must pre-book as soon as possible. If booking late, it will be harder,' she said.

'If Hong Kong finally bars you from giving birth there, we can help you deliver in the United States or other countries.'

She said many couples had called yesterday and were concerned about Leung's statement but she had advised them that 'Leung is Leung and Hong Kong is Hong Kong', and that he did not have the authority to change the law overnight.

She nevertheless believed that the number of mainland mothers wanting to have their babies delivered in the US would rise after Leung's speech.

'Obtaining a visa overseas is a priority for mainland couples. Why not turn to the US? Hong Kong is not the only choice.'