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Maternal and Infant Health Inequality: New Evidence from Linked Administrative Data

Author

Listed:
  • Kennedy-Moulton, Kate

    (Columbia University)

  • Miller, Sarah

    (University of Michigan)

  • Persson, Petra

    (Stanford University)

  • Rossin-Slater, Maya

    (Stanford University)

  • Wherry, Laura R.

    (New York University)

  • Aldana, Gloria

    (US Census Bureau)

Abstract

We use linked administrative data on the universe of California births to provide novel evidence on economic inequality in infant and maternal health. Infants and mothers at the top of the income distribution have worse birth and morbidity outcomes than their lowest-income counterparts, but are nevertheless the least likely to die in the year following birth. Racial disparities swamp these income disparities, with no racial convergence in health outcomes as income rises. A comparison with Sweden shows that infant and maternal health is worse in California at virtually all income levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Kennedy-Moulton, Kate & Miller, Sarah & Persson, Petra & Rossin-Slater, Maya & Wherry, Laura R. & Aldana, Gloria, 2022. "Maternal and Infant Health Inequality: New Evidence from Linked Administrative Data," IZA Discussion Papers 15745, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15745
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Bancalari, Antonella & Berlinski, Samuel & Buitrago, Giancarlo & García, María Fernanda & de la Mata, Dolores & Vera-Hernandez, Marcos, 2023. "Health inequalities in Latin American and the Caribbean: child, adolescent, reproductive, metabolic syndrome and mental health," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 120559, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    maternal and infant health; health disparities; administrative data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality

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