Waco Journal
Friday, July 4, 2025
  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result
Waco Journal
  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result
Waco Journal
No Result
View All Result

Texas Governor Threatens Funding Over Doctor’s Viral TikTok on Citizenship Question

by Nolan Harris
December 2, 2024
in Texas
Texas Governor Threatens Funding Over Doctor’s Viral TikTok on Citizenship Question

Waco, TX – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has warned Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine that they could face consequences, including the potential loss of state funding, after a cardiologist at the hospital posted a viral TikTok advising patients not to answer questions about their citizenship status.

The controversy began after Abbott signed an executive order that took effect on November 1, requiring hospitals that accept Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ask patients about their citizenship status. The question now appears on intake forms across the state, aimed at gathering data about healthcare spending on undocumented patients.

Dr. Tony Pastor, a cardiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, posted a video on November 11 where he informed patients that they are not legally required to answer the citizenship question. In the viral TikTok, which has since been deleted, Pastor told viewers, “People do not actually have to answer the question.”

The video quickly gained traction, amassing over a million views, and drew the ire of Governor Abbott, who responded by threatening the hospital’s state funding. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Abbott wrote, “Hey Texas Children’s Hospital & Baylor College of Medicine, this doctor is putting your Medicaid & Medicare funding at risk. You better think twice & have crystal clear records. There will be consequences for failing to follow the law in the Order.”

Pastor further explained his stance in a second video, where he criticized the law as a means of collecting data on undocumented patients. He stressed that doctors should advocate for their patients’ well-being, not act as enforcers for immigration authorities. “I’m going to keep advocating for our patients because that’s why we went to medical school, and not to be ICE deportation people,” Pastor said in the video.

Pastor’s message has resonated with others. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District released a flyer informing patients that they are not required to disclose their citizenship status and that refusing to answer will not affect their access to care. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also supported this stance, asserting that patients cannot be compelled to respond to the citizenship question.

Despite the backlash, a spokesperson for Texas Children’s Hospital reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to complying with the law. “Texas Children’s fully supports Governor Abbott’s new Executive Order and is in full compliance,” the spokesperson said. “We have worked closely with the Texas Hospital Association and our industry partners across the state to ensure compliance in advance of the effective date.” The statement further emphasized that the hospital’s policy would remain focused on patient care, regardless of the personal views of its staff.

Governor Abbott’s threat to cut funding highlights the ongoing tension in Texas surrounding immigration policy and healthcare. The state’s new law, aimed at increasing oversight of healthcare costs for undocumented individuals, has sparked debate over the role of medical professionals in enforcing immigration laws. As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how other healthcare providers across the state will respond to the new requirements.

Related Posts

Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop
Texas

Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat

June 30, 2025

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation designating Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the date for a special...

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Miller announces schools to celebrate National School Breakfast Week March 3-7 with theme ‘Clue In To School Breakfast’
Texas

Texas bans sale of lab-grown meat in major win for ranchers, agriculture commissioner says

June 27, 2025

Texas - Texas has officially become the seventh state to ban the sale and production of lab-grown meat, following legislation...

Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop
Texas

Governor Abbott signs 1,155 bills, calls special session for July

June 24, 2025

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott finalized legislative actions from the 89th Regular Legislative Session this week, signing 1,155 bills into law...

Governor signs major property tax relief bills increasing homestead exemptions and business exemptions
Texas

Governor signs major property tax relief bills increasing homestead exemptions and business exemptions

June 18, 2025

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott signed three significant bills into law during a ceremony at Robson Ranch Clubhouse, aimed at...

Texas DPS seeks help solving 1990 cold case murder, offering $6,000 reward
Texas

Texas DPS and Austin Police make multiple arrests during planned protest at State Capitol

June 12, 2025

Texas - On the evening of June 9, 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in coordination with the...

TDCJ launches high voltage training program to equip inmates and technicians with vital skills
Texas

TDCJ launches high voltage training program to equip inmates and technicians with vital skills

June 2, 2025

Texas - The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has successfully launched its new High Voltage Training Program, aimed at...

Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop
Texas

Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation designating Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the date for a special...

Read moreDetails
City officials are inviting you on March 25th at 501 Schroeder Drive to get rid of your household hazardous waste

City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

June 30, 2025
Applications are open for the WPD Junior Police Academy, police officials say

Waco Police Department to host “Stuff the Cruiser” school supply drive July 19

June 30, 2025
Man who cIaims seIf-defense after kiIIing feIIow athIete, whom he’d never met before, after being asked to move because the spot was meant for other members, has been lndicted

Man who cIaims seIf-defense after kiIIing feIIow athIete, whom he’d never met before, after being asked to move because the spot was meant for other members, has been lndicted

June 28, 2025
4-month-old died after his mom and dad, who wanted ‘personaI time,’ would routineIy pIace the baby in a piece of furniture and seaI it with toweIs to stop her from kicking it open until she sufocated to death: DA

4-month-old died after his mom and dad, who wanted ‘personaI time,’ would routineIy pIace the baby in a piece of furniture and seaI it with toweIs to stop her from kicking it open until she sufocated to death: DA

June 28, 2025
Governor Greg Abbott announces $17.3 million grant to SpaceX for expansion of semiconductor R&D facility in Bastrop

Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Texas - Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation designating Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the date for a special...

City officials are inviting you on March 25th at 501 Schroeder Drive to get rid of your household hazardous waste

City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Waco, TX - As residents prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, the City of Waco is reminding the community that...

Applications are open for the WPD Junior Police Academy, police officials say

Waco Police Department to host “Stuff the Cruiser” school supply drive July 19

by Nolan Harris
June 30, 2025
0

Waco, TX - The Waco Police Department is gearing up for its annual “Stuff the Cruiser” event, a community school...

Man who cIaims seIf-defense after kiIIing feIIow athIete, whom he’d never met before, after being asked to move because the spot was meant for other members, has been lndicted

Man who cIaims seIf-defense after kiIIing feIIow athIete, whom he’d never met before, after being asked to move because the spot was meant for other members, has been lndicted

by Nolan Harris
June 28, 2025
0

Texas - A Texas man, 18-year-old KarmeIo, was indicted earlier this week by a grand jury on a charge of...

About Us

A community needs news and Waco Journal is proud to serve 50,000 households each month through our website covering Waco and the other local counties.

Learn more

Recent Stories

  • Governor Abbott sets November 4 special election for Texas Senate District 9 seat
  • City of Waco reminds residents fireworks are illegal within city limits ahead of July 4

Categories

  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
Currently Playing

© 2023 Waco Journal

  • Local News
  • Crime
  • COVID-19
  • Texas
  • Education
  • Politics
No Result
View All Result