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The Labor Market and Health Impacts of Reducing Cesarean Section Deliveries

Author

Listed:
  • Miller, Sarah

    (University of Michigan Ross School of Business)

  • Persson, Petra

    (Stanford University)

  • Rossin-Slater, Maya

    (Stanford University)

  • Wherry, Laura

    (New York University)

Abstract

We study an intervention that reduced cesarean deliveries among low-risk first-time mothers, using California birth records linked to earnings data. Exposed mothers were 8% less likely to have a c-section, with no adverse health effects. We find suggestive evidence that they were more likely to return to their pre-birth employerandhadhigherwithin-firmearningsrankingsinthequarterpostbirth. These labor market gains fade over time. However, mothers who had a second child were less likely to have a c-section or preterm delivery, suggesting our estimated effects from avoiding a first c-section may be lower bounds on total gains.

Suggested Citation

  • Miller, Sarah & Persson, Petra & Rossin-Slater, Maya & Wherry, Laura, 2026. "The Labor Market and Health Impacts of Reducing Cesarean Section Deliveries," IZA Discussion Papers 18629, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18629
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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