Assessing the effects of welfare reform policies on reproductive and infant health.
P Wise,
W Chavkin and
D Romero
Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Mass., USA.
OBJECTIVES: The welfare reform law of 1996 marked a historicalmoment in US policy toward the poor by ending the entitlementto cash assistance, by requiring work, and by establishing timelimits. This article examines the potential impact on the healthof women and children, the primary recipients of welfare benefits.METHODS: The authors outline the reproductive health outcomesmost likely to be sensitive to welfare policies, identify indicatorsthat might be used to assess these outcomes, review empiricalevidence, and suggest specific methods and data sources. RESULTS:State welfare requirements could improve health outcomes ordeter families from Medicaid and food stamps, as well as incomesupport, thus worsening health outcomes. National and statedata may prove useful in detecting these effects; however, newdata sources may be required for specific health-related questions.CONCLUSIONS: Assessing the effects of welfare policies on reproductiveand infant health is possible, although challenging. Reauthorizationof the legislation is required in 2002; it is essential thatthe consequences for health be included in the next round ofpublic debate.
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