PKG Update

Please answer the following questions in sentence form. Be thorough in your responses:

1) Discuss your story, answering the question: Who Cares? And What is my story about?

Include in detail which of the 5 Motivators are you using in your report? MUST BE AT LEAST 250 WORDS

My story is about birth tourism in the United States. Effective of January 24, 2020, President Donald Trump imposed a new rule on travel visas that prevents women from traveling to the United States solely to give birth and gain citizenship for their child. These babies are also referred to as anchor babies. The new ruling comes as a result of an increase in immigrants taking advantage of the Constitution’s natural-born citizen clause. Pregnant women will be denied travel access to the United States unless they can prove their native country has inadequate health care to support the birth of their child and that they can pay for their medical expenses. Officials will not ask everyone who is in child-bearing years. Still, they have the right to question anyone they suspect of being pregnant or intending to get pregnant in the U.S. The State Department has deemed visiting the United States for obtaining citizenship for a child as a leisure activity for pleasure. Birth Tourism is a global issue, money and a health issue. America is known and as the land of the free and a place for people to chase their dreams. People are already taking a dangerous risk sneaking into the country and evading the border, imagine someone doing this while pregnant. The Trump administration has previously denied pregnant women at the U.S.-Mexico border. Russia and China participate the most in birth tourism in the United States. Since the State Department is located in Washington, D.C., I want to get the reactions of Washingtonian mothers. Healthcare is essential to a good quality of life that every citizen and mother can relate to.

2) What sources have you contacted/researched for background information (provide specific information)?

I have searched planned parenthood facilities and alternatives in the Washington, D.C. area. I plan to learn more about the options surrounding pregnancy and the dangers of inadequate healthcare during pregnancy. I plan to call or visit the Carol Whitehill Moses Center of Washington, D.C., to speak to a nurse or doctor. If they aren’t open for comment, I will use the information provided as supporting elements in my package.

1225 4th St. NE

Washington, DC 20002

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/district-of-columbia/washington/20002/carol-whitehill-moses-center-4221-90230

I am emailing the Embassy of the Russian Federation for a comment on their healthcare system. Russia is one of the leading contributors to birth tourism in the U.S.

2650 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.

Washington, DC 20007

https://washington.mid.ru/en/press-centre/contacts/

I’m in contact with a young mother name Aaliyah Scott. She is a Washington resident and has a daughter that is four months old. Aaliyah’s voice will give the perspective of a mother evaluating medical options and understanding of why mothers may want to travel to the United States. However, Aaliyah does not want to be on camera. I am working on making her more comfortable with the idea. I’m also looking for another young mother in case this arrangement doesn’t work out.

3) What is your plan B if your main source(s) follow through?

My Plan B for sources would be to find a local doula or midwife that can attest to the importance of health care surrounding births. Ideally, I would like to speak to mothers who would have to make the tough decisions and those enforcing the new ruling. However, anyone who can attest to the struggles and needs of childbirth will be an asset to my package.

4) What type of b-roll will you use to do your story? What opportunities will you have to utilize natural sound?

For B-roll, I plan to use footage outside the embassy’s and pregnancy clinics to convey the idea of birth tourism. On top of the footage, I want to use elements like graphics and stock images to communicate any aspects of my story that are not tangible in Washington, D.C. For example, pictures of the borders located in the southern region of the United States.

If possible, with my interviews, I would like to film their daily routines and interactions with their children. I believe that will provide a human aspect to my piece and reach the heart of viewers.

5) Where is your standup going to be in Washington? What is the backdrop? Unless otherwise approved by Prof Thomas you must do your story at a location that is recognizable to Washington, DC. (Ex: White House, Capitol, Supreme Court, Mall, Monuments, etc) Explain WHY

My standup in Washington will be outside either outside the White House or the State Department. The new rule is being implemented under the Trump administration (the white house) and enforced by homeland security and the State Department.