Report: Women and Children First? Health of pregnant women refused asylum

A study examined experiences of pregnant women in Glasgow whose asylum claim had been refused. Although the study found that their insecure immigration status did not appear to preclude or constrain their access to maternity care, the report highlighted a range of asylum-related policies that had a detrimental impact on their health and well-being, such as enforced destitution, or providing cashless support.

The report noted that some asylum seeking women were not aware of their entitlements to additional pregnancy or health-related support, particularly reimbursement or payment of travel costs. Some had also reported difficulties with the provision of interpreting. The report made recommendations.