The Impact of Paid Maternity Leave on Maternal Health

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Butikofer, Aline; Riise, Julie; Skira, Meghan M.
• 署名单位: Norwegian School of Economics (NHH); University of Bergen; University System of Georgia; University of Georgia
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC JOURNAL-ECONOMIC POLICY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1945-7731
• DOI: 10.1257/pol.20190022
• 发表日期: 2021
• 页码: 67-105
• 关键词: regression discontinuity designs; breast-feeding practice; after-birth employment; Physical health; parental leave; cesarean delivery; childbirth; DEPRESSION; outcomes; mothers

摘要

We examine the impact of the introduction of paid maternity leave in Norway in 1977 on maternal health in the medium and long term. Using administrative data combined with survey data on the health of women around age 40, we find the reform improved a range of maternal health outcomes, including BMI, blood pressure, pain, and mental health. The reform also increased health-promoting behaviors, such as exercise and not smoking. The effects were larger for first-time and low-resource mothers and women who would have taken little unpaid leave in the absence of the reform.