Immigrants are central to New York City’s story and the history of the United States. These newcomers range from the hopeful to the fearful with the current state of social mistreatment from governmental organizations, and the misleading stories circulating around the topic of immigration. These stories serve to reaffirm belief systems rather than create an understanding of the issues faced as undocumented citizens. By collaborating with the Judson Memorial Church and New Sanctuary Coalition (nonprofit organizations in New York City that provide services to those seeking legal status in the United States) I was able to collaborate directly with individuals who had firsthand experience with unjust immigration issues.
Team
User research and design: Dipali Aphale
Design education: Alex Schweder
Collaboration: New Sanctuary Coalition, Judson Memorial Church
Following the data
4 million infants are born to undocumented mothers in the U.S.
Unauthorized immigrants cannot access benefits provided under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). These barriers to access result in individuals receiving fewer preventive health care services — especially in prenatal care — and reporting poorer reproductive health outcomes. And even still, during an emergency, undocumented citizens often don’t want to risk exposing themselves when they cannot provide IDs upon arrival to a medical facility. Prenatal care was the area of focus due to the influx of pregnant women either (1) entering the country seeking asylum or (2) reactivating citizenship while already pregnant in the U.S.
The proposed user journey
How might we create a safe experience for women to seek medical support during pregnancy?
The remote diagnosis kit
I designed a remote diagnosis kit for undocumented pregnant women in the United States who are in need of prenatal care through the safety of a trusted medical professional. It fits within the framework at New Sanctuary Coalition, where they host weekly clinics for immigrants seeking advice and medical help. The kit offers 4 sets of undergarments that are (1) meant to absorb leakage, and (2) designate areas to mark if lumps are felt on the breasts or the vulva. Leakage and lumps are the easiest to diagnose symptoms, yet remain mostly overlooked.
Women will receive this kit upon arrival at Judson Memorial Church and will be able to wear the undergarments, observe any leakage in the attached pads, and mark any lumps based on the illustrations shown in the booklet. Then, they will be able to bring the undergarments back to New Sanctuary Coalition in a sealed bag and hand it off to a medical professional or volunteer on staff at the weekly clinics. Women can choose to have a face-to-face diagnosis with the doctor, or they can wait for a volunteer to hand back their kit with doctor notes in the back.
The value of health education within the context of an NGO
simplified Education
The booklet offers simplified sexual and reproductive health education that helps undocumented women engage in appropriate and informed conversations with a medical professional.
The knowledge provided in the booklet includes the basic anatomy of the female body, the symptoms of leakage & lumps during pregnancy, and suggestions on whether you should consult a medical professional based on your observations.
Low tech for high impact
Mamá is a low-tech solution that is meant to work within the context of an NGO. It is designed to help women in need of prenatal care who are unfamiliar with the American healthcare system. The prototypes are made of locally-sourced fabric and repurposed cotton period pads for the nipples and vaginal regions.
