Understanding Challenges in Asylum Seekers’ Maternity Journey

On Thursday, 20th March, staff from the five practices that form Anfield and Everton PCN watched the powerful film, “Best For Baby Too.” This film deeply explored the difficulties and challenges experienced by asylum seekers during the maternity process and the birth of their baby.

Produced by Liverpool Lighthouse, this moving account goes beyond stereotypes. It clearly shows the problems many asylum seekers encounter, whether or not they are having a baby. The film was followed by an important Q&A session with some of the women featured in the film.

Watch “Best For Baby Too” Here

You can watch the full film and gain deeper insight into childbirth in the asylum system by clicking here: Link: Childbirth in the Asylum System | Liverpool Lighthouse

Our PCN’s Commitment to Equitable Care

Supporting asylum seekers to receive the same high-quality care as everyone else is a top priority for Anfield and Everton PCN. We are dedicated to tackling inequalities in maternity care for all.

Reflections from Our Multidisciplinary Team

Staff from our PCN’s multidisciplinary service were deeply moved by the film and composed a poem sharing their reflections:

Imagine

Imagine leaving your home 
and not knowing if you’ll ever be able to go back.
Imagine no possessions, everything you lack.
Imagine love on the inside and fear on the outside.
Imagine having no-one to turn to and nowhere to hide.
Imagine feeling lonely when you most need support.
Imagine choosing medicine over food you could have bought.
Imagine not being part of decisions when your healthcare is being shaped.
Imagine being haunted by memories of the danger you escaped.

 

Imagine being in a different country, with a new culture and language – how stressful it is, on top of being pregnant and fighting for your and your baby’s life.

 

Imagine living in fear of every knock on the door.
Imagine the sound of the letterbox, brown envelope on the floor.
Imagine giving everything you have for your baby and being unable to give more.
Imagine being scared and unfamiliar with the law.
Imagine having no money for food and supplies.
Imagine trusting people, only to find out it was all lies.
Imagine trying to speak but not knowing what to say.
Imagine going to sleep worrying about how to survive the next day.
Imagine finding a small sense of stability and being told to move away
………….again! 
Imagine not knowing where your baby is going to sleep.
Imagine having no money to pay for your keep.
Imagine struggling to communicate with professionals.
Imagine whispering ‘asylum seeker’, as if you were in a confessional.

 

Imagine walking in my shoes.