Should pregnant tourists and international students be able to give birth in NZ?

Opinion

Foreigners giving birth in New Zealand have racked up millions of dollars in unpaid bills, despite rules around their maternity care being tightened in 2003.

The number of babies born to non-resident women rose from 3248 to 3866 between 2005-06 and 2006-07, with hospital deliveries costing between $5000 to more than $12,000 if a Caesarean was required, the Dominion Post reported.

All maternity care was free in New Zealand prior to 2003 but the rules were tightened after revelations that foreign women were cashing in on free care.

Should pregnant tourists and international students be able to give birth in NZ? Here is the latest selection of Your Views: