The maternity experiences of women seeking asylum in high-income countries: a meta-ethnography

PROBLEM

The maternity care experiences and perinatal outcomes of women seeking asylum in high-income countries (HICs) are poorer than the general population of pregnant women in that HIC. There is a paucity of literature on the maternity experiences of women seeking asylum in HICs.

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing number of women seeking asylum in HICs due to escalating violence and human rights abuses. Asylum-seeking women are a distinct group whom are likely to have different needs to refugees or migrants as a result of their undocumented status.

AIM

This literature review aimed to explore the emotional, physical and health information needs of women seeking asylum in the perinatal period in HICs, to provide insights to better address their maternity needs.

METHOD

A meta-ethnography described by Noblit and Hare, was applied to analyse the studies, to reflect the voices of women seeking asylum, hosted in HICs in their perinatal period.

FINDINGS

Eight studies were included in the review. The overarching theme was 'just having to survive.' Four sub-themes were revealed which highlighted the vulnerability of asylum-seeking women. They included: 'I was never sure if I had understood', 'feeling ignored and alone', 'ongoing dislocation and recurrent relocation' and 'knowing there's someone who cares for you'.

DISCUSSION

Improved maternity care for women seeking asylum requires culturally appropriate respectful maternity care and supportive strategies such as consistent access to language services.

CONCLUSION

It is recommended that future research is targeted to explore the maternity experience of women seeking asylum in HICs, such as Australia.

The impact of human trafficking in relation to maternity care: A literature review

OBJECTIVE

To map the relevant literature and inform future research on the issues related to and experiences of pregnancy and maternity care for women who have been trafficked.

DESIGN

A scoping review was undertaken to identify literature on the issues and experiences of pregnancy and maternity care for women who have been trafficked.

RESULTS

45 papers were identified and six key themes were derived from the literature: the impact of trafficking on health; access to maternity care; experiences of maternity care; social factors; knowledge and experience of staff; and identification and referral.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Women who have been trafficked are at risk of physical and emotional health issues that may affect maternal and fetal outcomes. Multiple barriers to care exist for women who have been trafficked, and social factors including housing, poverty and dispersal policies may impact upon both health and access to care. Healthcare staff do not feel adequately prepared to respond to the needs of this vulnerable group and no midwifery-specific guidance exists.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Midwives need awareness of the complex range of health and social factors that may affect women who have been trafficked. Midwives and maternity care professionals require more specialised training to better identify, refer and support women who have been trafficked.