Do Cash Transfers Improve Birth Outcomes? Evidence from Matched Vital Statistics, and Program and Social Security Data

Verónica Amarante · Marco Manacorda · Edward A. Miguel · Andrea Vigorito

86 citations0/0 files storedAmerican Economic Journal Economic Policy

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Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare

Abstract

There is limited empirical evidence on whether cash transfers to poor pregnant women improve children's birth outcomes and potentially help weaken the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Using a unique array of program and social security administrative micro-data matched to longitudinal vital statistics in Uruguay, we estimate that participation in a generous social assistance program led to a sizable reduction in the incidence of low birthweight. The effect is due to faster intrauterine growth rather than longer gestational length. Our findings are consistent with improved maternal nutrition during pregnancy being a key driver of improved birthweight. (JEL I14, I32, I38, J13, J16, O15)

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1955Bulletin of the World Health Organization n.d.Economics of the Family: Marriage, Children, and Human Capital 2009Conditional Cash Transfers 1999Policies to Foster Human Capital 2005The lasting impact of childhood health and circumstance 2002Economic Status and Health in Childhood: The Origins of the Gradient 1978Estimating the Effect of Training Programs on Earnings 2009Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: Socioeconomic Status, Poor Health in Childhood, and Human Capital Development

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