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

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Amarante, Veronica; Manacorda, Marco; Miguel, Edward; Vigorito, Andrea
• 署名单位: Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay; University of London; Queen Mary University London; Centre for Economic Policy Research - UK; University of London; London School Economics & Political Science; University of London; London School Economics & Political Science; University of California System; University of California Berkeley; National Bureau of Economic Research
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC JOURNAL-ECONOMIC POLICY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1945-7731
• DOI: 10.1257/pol.20140344
• 发表日期: 2016
• 页码: 1-43
• 关键词: intergenerational transmission; socioeconomic-status; training-programs; prenatal exposure; dutch famine; in-utero; HEALTH; IMPACT; pregnancy; weight

摘要

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.