Reproductive and Other Related Health Concerns Among Women Experiencing Homelessness

Women and families are the fastest growing subgroup within the homeless population. An estimated 39% of the people experiencing homelessness are women or girls, and nearly 40% of unaccompanied youth are women or girls. The number of women experiencing homelessness in unsheltered locations—the most vulnerable group of women—is also increasing. Of those experiencing homelessness in rural areas, a higher percentage is likely to be women, adding to the challenge of accessing healthcare, particularly specialty and subspecialty services. Homeless individuals, including women, suffer more mental and physical health issues, with the majority reporting long-term health problems. Homeless women have not only been shown to have worse outcomes than housed women, but also their relative risk of death is higher than that of homeless males. In this chapter, the authors will examine reproductive and other health conditions that are more prevalent or exacerbated by homelessness, as well as potential strategies to address these issues.