Restoring dignity to new mothers seeking asylum

Abstract

Through a systematic review of literature, this research project traces the immense difficulties faced by new mothers seeking asylum, to offer an ethical evaluation of the services being offered to them in Malta. Asylum seekers leave their own country in treacherous conditions in search of a better life. When they are young women, the challenges include becoming a mother and their journey to give birth and raise a child includes cultural changes, religious beliefs, and language barriers amongst others. These affect also the newborn and rest of the family members. The aim of this dissertation is to raise awareness among authorities and healthcare professionals to get a better understanding and to attend to this group of people in a respectful manner, so as to provide the best possible assistance by apprehending the most common ethical dilemmas in such situations.