Homelessness during pregnancy poses significant health risks for mothers and their babies. According to the NCBI “Most women who are homeless have been pregnant at some point in their lives. Recent pregnancy statistics from Minneapolis show that among homeless youth aged 15–22 years, over half of the young women had been pregnant at least once. Furthermore, youth who are homeless may be at increased risk for multiple pregnancies. Many mothers who are homeless end up relinquishing their children either voluntarily or involuntarily to family members or to the child welfare system. is particularly true of younger women who may have fewer resources to draw upon”.
Homelessness among pregnant young women and women with children means that children and infants are experiencing home and food insecurity during important times of development. This insight should drive policymakers to ensure that developmentally appropriate services are available to young families experiencing homelessness. Pro-life organizations must also realize this is a huge demographic of women and their babies in need of help and support. At Life Options Network we want moms to feel supported right where they are and to know help is available. The struggles of motherhood are challenging enough without adding a pandemic and home insecurity. We hope to come alongside women to help ensure they and their children have a roof over their heads and a full stomach.
