MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Minimum drinking age laws and infant health outcomes

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2009

ISSN: 0167-6296

DOI: 10.1016/J.JHEALECO.2009.02.006

Abstract: Alcohol policies have potentially far-reaching impacts on risky sexual behavior, prenatal health behaviors, and subsequent outcomes for infants. After finding initial evidence in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) that changes in the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) are related to prenatal drinking, we examine whether the drinking age influences birth outcomes. Using data from the National Vital Statistics (NVS) for the years 1978–1988, we find that a drinking age of 18 is associated with adverse outcomes among births to young mothers—including higher incidences of low birth weight and premature birth, but not congenital anomalies. The effects are largest among black women. We also report evidence that the MLDA laws alter the composition of births that occur. In states with lenient drinking laws, young black mothers are less likely to report paternal information on the birth certificate, particularly in states with restrictive abortion policies. The evidence suggests that lenient drinking laws generate poor birth outcomes in part because they increase the number of unplanned pregnancies.

Url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167629609000319

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Fertig, Angela R.; Watson, Tara

Periodical (Full): Journal of Health Economics

Issue: 3

Volume: 28

Pages: 737-747

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop