Cultural differences and access to interpreters are just two of the challenges faced by pregnant and post-natal refugee women in Australia.

Our lack of understanding of the maternal health needs of women from refugee backgrounds creates a higher risk of health issues during these vitally important times.

With the support of a Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant, Flinders University’s Dr Clemence Due will head a project to study the maternity health issues facing refugee women.

Refugee women already face significant barriers in accessing appropriate health care, and have worse health outcomes than other Australian women. This study will help develop an evidence-based knowledge bank to reduce these disparities.

This research is made possible thanks to a generous supporter and generous donations from the community.

Project title: Maternal health for pregnant and post-natal women from refugee backgrounds: What are their needs and what models of care will improve outcomes.

Lead researcher: Dr Clemence Due