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

Veronica Amarante, Marco Manacorda (), Edward Miguel and Andrea Vigorito

No 17690, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: There is limited empirical evidence on whether unrestricted cash social assistance to poor pregnant women improves children's birth outcomes. Using program administrative micro-data matched to longitudinal vital statistics on the universe of births in Uruguay, we estimate that participation in a generous cash transfer program led to a sizeable 15% reduction in the incidence of low birthweight. Improvements in mother nutrition and a fall in labor supply, out-of-wedlock births and mother's smoking all appear to contribute to the effect. We conclude that, by improving child health, unrestricted unconditional cash transfers may help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

JEL-codes: I38 J13 J88 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dem and nep-dev
Note: CH EH LS PE
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Published as Verónica Amarante & Marco Manacorda & Edward Miguel & Andrea Vigorito, 2016. "Do Cash Transfers Improve Birth Outcomes? Evidence from Matched Vital Statistics, and Program and Social Security Data," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, vol 8(2), pages 1-43.

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Related works:
Working Paper: Do Cash Transfers Improve Birth Outcomes? Evidence from Matched Vital Statistics, Social Security and Program Data (2012)
Working Paper: Do Cash Transfers Improve Birth Outcomes? Evidence from Matched Vital Statistics, Social Security and Program Data (2011)
Working Paper: Do Cash Transfers Improve Birth Outcomes? Evidence from Matched Vital Statistics, Social Security and Program Data (2011)
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