The Effect of Family Planning Programs on the Fertility of Welfare Recipients: Evidence from Medicaid Claims

Jennifer Mellor ()

Journal of Human Resources, 1998, vol. 33, issue 4, 866-895

Abstract: Previous studies of U.S. publicly funded family planning services have produced conflicting and sometimes confounding results. These studies have relied exclusively on single-equation estimates of family planning program effectiveness. Economic theories suggest that single-equation estimates may understate program effectiveness when the same unobserved variable affects both the fertility outcome and contraceptive behavior. To eliminate the bias that may result from single-equation estimation, I use a bivariate probit model to estimate the effect of contraceptive acceptance on the individual's probability of giving birth. I employ a unique data set created from Maryland Medicaid claims records. Results from bivariate probit estimation show that contraceptive acceptance plays a much larger role in reducing fertility than single-equation estimates would suggest.

Date: 1998
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Working Paper: The Effect of Family Planning Programs on the Fertility of Welfare Recipients: Evidence from Medicaid Claims (1997)
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