1993 · 36 citations · 2 references
Public HealthChild HealthMaternal HealthIncome Support PolicyInfant HealthPerinatal EpidemiologyBirth Outcomes EpidemiologyConditional Cash TransfersMaternity BenefitsNeonatal OutcomesPrenatal CareTax CreditsCash Maternity BenefitsCash Transfer EffectsDifference-in-differencesEarned Income Tax Credit PolicyMaternal Coverage ExpansionMaternal Health EconomicsPrenatal Care CoveragePrenatal Care Promotion
In this paper I examine the effect of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on birth outcomes by exploiting the 1993 expansion, which increased benefits disproportionately for families with two or more children. Using both difference-in-difference and difference-in-difference-in-difference approaches, I find that the expansion had small positive and statistically significant effects on birth weight, and that the expansion reduced the incidence of low birth weight. I also examine whether the increase in income as a result of the expansion led to greater investment into health inputs by testing whether the expansion increased the number of prenatal visits among eligible mothers. I find the expansion had no effect on prenatal care decisions.
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