Effect of a 'hostile environment' on maternal health

摘要

A report released last month by Maternity Action reveals the experiences of women who are faced with NHS charges for accessing maternity care in England. It makes uncomfortable reading and should be a clarion call for change. Many comparable European countries offer free pregnancy care to undocumented migrant women regardless of immigration status, whereas the UK charges a disproportionate 150% of the NHS tariff. These regulations were reinforced in October 2017 when the government introduced a requirement (applying only in England, so far) to charge upfront, and withhold treatment from those unable to pay, unless the treatment is "urgent" or "immediately necessary."