Working Paper: NBER ID: w31801
Authors: Johanna Catherine Maclean; Ioana Popovici; Christopher J. Ruhm
Abstract: Unlike most advanced countries, the United States does not have a federal paid sick leave (PSL) policy; however, multiple states have adopted PSL mandates. PSL can facilitate healthcare use among women of child−bearing ages, including use of family planning services. We combine administrative and survey data with difference−in−differences methods to shed light on these possibilities. Our findings indicate that state PSL mandates reduce birth rates, potentially through increased use of contraception services post−mandate. Overall, our findings imply that PSL policies may help women balance family and work responsibilities, and facilitate their reproductive choices.
Keywords: Paid Sick Leave; Reproductive Health; Contraception; Birth Rates; Family Planning
JEL Codes: D1; I1; J13
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| PSL mandates (Z28) | access to PSL benefits (H55) |
| PSL mandates (Z28) | contraceptive use (J13) |
| contraceptive use (J13) | birth rates (J11) |
| PSL mandates (Z28) | birth rates (J11) |
| PSL mandates (Z28) | abortion rates (J13) |