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Universal Cash Transfer Impacts on Maternal and Infant Health

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  • Mary Kopriva

    (Institute of Social and Economics Research, University of Alaska Anchorage)

Abstract

In this paper, I examine how the receipt of an unconditional cash transfer during pregnancy impacts maternal and infant health outcomes. Using linked birth certificate data, I apply a within-mother estimator to analyze how receipt of the Alaska permanent fund dividend (PFD), an annual cash transfer for all Alaska residents, affects the likelihood of being born preterm or low birth weight and the likelihood of experiencing complications at the time of labor and delivery. I find that receiving an additional $1,000 in PFD payment during the 12 months prior to birth decreases the likelihood of having a labor/delivery complication by approximately 12% and reduces the likelihood of being born very preterm by approximately 22%. The results are strongest for mothers with less than a high school education.

Suggested Citation

  • Mary Kopriva, 2023. "Universal Cash Transfer Impacts on Maternal and Infant Health," Working Papers 2023-02, University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ala:wpaper:2023-02
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    File URL: http://www.econpapers.uaa.alaska.edu/RePEC/ala/wpaper/ALA202302.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    cash transfers; maternal health; infant health; prenatal period;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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