Acquiring data on quality of life indicators such as health, mental health and family roles of poor and minority women remains a low research priority. This paper provides an assessment of current knowledge in this area and an overview of the context in which poor and racial/ethnic women utilize health care services. A model that encompasses the interactive effects of race, gender and class variables is proposed. Such a model is a necessity for understanding the health needs of poor and racial/ethnic women. Suggestions for future research and policy formulation are given.