Why we should care about asylum seeking Latina pregnant migrants

TL;DR

Asylum-seeking Latina pregnant migrants face significant trauma and health disparities, which can negatively impact both their health and their children's development.

Contribution

This minireview highlights the unique health challenges and policy implications for asylum-seeking Latina pregnant migrants.

Findings

Latina asylum seekers report high trauma exposure and posttraumatic distress.

Health disparities among pregnant migrants have serious consequences for maternal and child health.

Current policies and circumstances significantly affect the wellbeing of these migrants and their children.

Abstract

Latina immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. report high levels of trauma exposure and posttraumatic distress. Our clinical and research experiences highlight the prevalence of these health disparities for pregnant migrants, with serious consequences for them as well as for the developmental trajectory of their children. This minireview focuses on asylum seeking Latina pregnant migrants, and the implications current polices, and circumstances have on their health and wellbeing as well as their children's health and well-being.