Abstract
The present literature review was conducted to determine what information has been published on the topic of undocumented
pregnant migrants. Scientific databases and gray literature sources were searched for articles published between January 1967
and September 2010. Eighty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. A final sample of 23 articles was
included in the review. Existing evidence suggests that pregnant undocumented migrants living in Western societies tend to
be younger, unmarried, and more likely to be employed in the domestic sector than documented migrants and permanent residents.
They have less access to prenatal care and consult later in pregnancy than controls. Findings concerning delivery and birth
outcomes are conflicting and subject to several biases. Little has been published on programs to address the needs of undocumented
pregnant women living in Western countries. More research on the particular health and social issues faced by these women
is needed.
pregnant migrants. Scientific databases and gray literature sources were searched for articles published between January 1967
and September 2010. Eighty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. A final sample of 23 articles was
included in the review. Existing evidence suggests that pregnant undocumented migrants living in Western societies tend to
be younger, unmarried, and more likely to be employed in the domestic sector than documented migrants and permanent residents.
They have less access to prenatal care and consult later in pregnancy than controls. Findings concerning delivery and birth
outcomes are conflicting and subject to several biases. Little has been published on programs to address the needs of undocumented
pregnant women living in Western countries. More research on the particular health and social issues faced by these women
is needed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9587-5
- Authors
- Kimberly Munro, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Catherine Jarvis, Herzl Family Practice Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Marie Munoz, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Vinita D’Souza, Herzl Family Practice Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Lisa Graves, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912