Informing Perinatal Mental Health Services
POLICY MAKERS
Economic status and healthcare costs
How the cost of healthcare, and women's economic status may impact their perinatal mental health care journey. This can be exacerbated by women’s immigration status.
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Low income, no health insurance, high care costs.
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Human rights law.
Low income, no health insurance, high care costs
Having a low income, no access to health insurance and the costs of health care can be a barrier
"Yeah I know help is at hand.. but look at me! This house- I don't have landline. I have a phone. I have no credit on that phone. Even if I am in trouble, who am I going to call?"
Evidence level: Moderate
Parts of the care pathway affected: Decision to consult, Assessment, Referral, Access to treatment, Provision of optimal treatment.
Key literature:
Human rights law
The UK government, under Article 25 of international human rights law, has a legal obligation to ensure:
“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of [them]self and of [their] family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond [their] control” and to ensure “Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.”
Recommendations
We recommend free healthcare for all at the point of access.
We recommend adequate financial support for those who are not eligible for free healthcare, that is easy to apply for.
We recommend the government ensure a fair welfare and economic system that ensures that no one is living in poverty or in financial hardship.