Building paths to healthcare: an explorative qualitative study among undocumented mothers experiencing maternal and infant healthcare access in Switzerland
Caterina Montagnoli, Bernice Simone Elger, Yves Jackson, Tenzin WangmoIntroduction
Undocumented migrant women face significant healthcare challenges yet they are seldom given a voice. This study aims to explore the experiences of undocumented migrant mothers in accessing maternal and infant healthcare across Switzerland.
Methods
In this exploratory qualitative study, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results
29 pregnant women and mothers of children aged ≤2 years participated in this study. They discussed their pregnancy and postpartum access to care. In these discussions, the important role of social workers and midwives in facilitating continuous access to healthcare services was evident. Declined support after childbirth exacerbated challenges in securing infant care. Of particular concern was the affordability of health insurance. Many participants reported that insurance debt accumulation and financial instability adversely affected healthcare-seeking potential and subsequent quality of healthcare received.
Conclusions
The findings underscore the critical influence of federal healthcare insurance, the provision of services at the cantonal level and the roles of gatekeepers such as social workers and midwives. Strengthening continuity of care and allocating increased resources to address the needs of pregnant and newly born undocumented migrants are vital steps towards achieving health equity for this vulnerable group.