Homeless maternity and family separation
homeless women; maternity; childhood; public policy.
Brazil has a history of separation of families that dates back to colonial times. This approach was refined over time through the institutionalization of children from indigenous, black, and poor families. This study intends to analyze the suspension or loss of family power of homeless women in Natal/RN. This is an investigation, whose methodology consisted of semi-structured interviews: with representatives of 11 services/institutions in Natal - SUAS, SUS, and the Justice System; with homeless women, and their partners. The data obtained were analyzed and organized into three themes: (a) homeless pregnancies; (b) motherhood and meritocracy; (c) arbitrary separation. The results indicate the absence of the State in providing concrete alternatives of housing and income for mothers to remain with their children; the importance of solidarity networks and family support as ways of resisting separation from their children; the criminalization of women based on moralism, drug use; the lack of access to fair advocacy; women who are separated from their children are usually under State surveillance over their motherhood and reproductive capacity. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider the impacts of this context on the mental health of homeless women.