PBS Premiere–HOW TO HAVE AN AMERICAN BABY

PBS Premiere–Tune into broadcast premiere of HOW TO HAVE AN AMERICAN BABY, directed by Leslie Tai. The film will air as part of PBS’ Season 36 of POV.

HOW TO HAVE AN AMERICAN BABY is a kaleidoscopic voyage into the booming shadow economy catering to pregnant Chinese tourists who travel to Southern California on “birthing vacations”—in order to obtain U.S. citizenship for their babies. Told through a series of intimately observed storylines and situations, we meet expectant mothers, maternity hotel operators and operator wannabes, local doctors and civic officials, birth tourism agents in China, and the nannies, cooks, and chauffeurs that fuel this industry. Inside bedrooms, delivery rooms, and private family meetings, the story of a hidden global economy emerges—depicting the fortunes and tragedies that befall the ordinary people caught in the web of its influence. 

HOW TO HAVE AN AMERICAN BABY, Directed by Leslie Tai
PBS PREMIERE (120 minutes)
Monday, December 11, 2023 (check your local listings for times)

Learn more about the film on the PBS website.

This project is supported by a California Documentary Project Grant.