Refugee women face significant and persistent barriers to reproductive health (RH) care. From language access issues and lack of culturally appropriate services to trauma, stigma, and policy restrictions, these challenges have contributed to higher rates of unintended pregnancy, underuse of contraception, and reduced prenatal and cancer screenings. The consequences are severe, placing women and families at risk and increasing long-term strain on public health systems. 

The urgency is clear. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries (22.3 per 100,000 live births), and refugee and asylum-seeking women are disproportionately impacted. They experience reduced access to screening, lower health literacy, and greater mistrust of providers, which are barriers that prevent them from receiving essential care. 

At the Public Health Institute’s (PHI) Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health (CIRH), we are leading a community-centered initiative to improve reproductive health outcomes for refugee women. This project will train refugee women as peer health navigators, equip providers to offer culturally competent and trauma-informed care, and strengthen systems through partnerships with clinics, resettlement agencies, and community-based organizations. 

We call on state and local agencies, philanthropic foundations, healthcare systems, and community partners to support this critical work. Your partnership can help: 

• Expand access to family planning, prenatal care, and cancer screenings 

• Provide refugee women with education and navigation support in their own languages 

• Build trust in the healthcare system through community-based outreach 

• Reduce unintended pregnancies and improve maternal health outcomes 

Together, we can ensure that refugee women can access safe and respectful reproductive healthcare.