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Effects of the Minimum Wage on Infant Health

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  • George Wehby
  • Dhaval Dave
  • Robert Kaestner
Abstract
The minimum wage has increased in multiple states over the past three decades. We examine the impact of the state minimum wage on infant health. Using data on the universe of births in the US over 24 years, we find that an increase in the minimum wage is associated with an increase in birth weight driven by increased gestational length and fetal growth rate. The effect size is meaningful and plausible. We also find an increase in prenatal care use and a decline in smoking during pregnancy, which are some channels through which minimum wage can affect infant health.

Suggested Citation

  • George Wehby & Dhaval Dave & Robert Kaestner, 2016. "Effects of the Minimum Wage on Infant Health," NBER Working Papers 22373, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:22373
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • J2 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor
    • J3 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs

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