Exploring the link between eviction and birth outcomes in the United States: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION

Eviction affects millions of households in the United States and is an increasingly recognized social determinant of health. Pregnant women may be particularly vulnerable, as housing instability during pregnancy can contribute to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. However, this association has not been systematically synthesized. This scoping review aims to address this gap by evaluating existing evidence and identifying priorities for future research.

METHOD: This scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework to identify studies published between 2005 and 2025 on eviction and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Six databases were searched using terms related to eviction, housing instability, pregnancy, and birth outcomes. After screening 686 records and reviewing full texts, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review.

RESULT: Across eight studies, seven reported a positive association between eviction and APOs. Preterm birth was the most frequently examined outcome and showed consistent associations with eviction exposure. Only one study assessed individual-level eviction, while most relied on area-level or proxy measures. Additional outcomes included low birth weight, very low birth weight, and shortened gestational duration. Overall, residence in high-eviction environments was consistently associated with increased risk of APOs.