The nexus between maternity care and bordering practices: A qualitative study of provider perspectives on maternal healthcare provision for Afghan women migrating through Serbia to Western Europe

Abstract

Serbia is a well-established transit country for Afghans travelling overland to seek protection in Western Europe, and Afghan women continue to experience pregnancy and birth during migration. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives and experiences and of clinical and non-clinical perinatal care and support providers to Afghan women during migration through Serbia, using a critical border studies lens. Semi-structured interviews with 21 Serbia-based providers (conducted August 2021–October 2022 and analysed thematically) provided five inductive themes: (1) contours of life in Serbia for Afghan women; (2) providing maternity care and support to a highly mobile group; (3) enablers and barriers to accessing and using maternity care; (4) risks of onward migration; and (5) supporting women in a landscape of constant change. We identified ways in which regional geopolitics translated to bordering practices that interfered with maternity support provision to Afghan women in Serbia. We argue that non-exclusionary systems of care are needed to ensure women on the move receive adequate maternity support.