How Does SNAP Access Prior to Pregnancy Affect Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Sociology

Background:

• Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) face time limits on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, requiring work to continue.
• These ABAWD work requirements may impact maternal and infant health due to nutritional effects before pregnancy.
• This study investigated the health outcomes of mothers and infants related to ABAWD work requirement waivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of temporary county-level waivers of ABAWD work requirements on maternal and infant health outcomes.
• To assess the effects of reimposing work requirements after waivers are removed.

Main Methods:

• Utilized restricted National Vital Statistics System natality data (2004-2018).
• Linked birth data to county-month ABAWD waiver status in the year prior to pregnancy.
• Employed two-way fixed-effects regressions and event studies, controlling for economic conditions.

Main Results:

• Reimposed work requirements increased very low birth weight by 14% and very preterm births by 10% among first-time mothers.
• Waiver introduction showed minimal impact on birth outcomes.
• Waiver removal was unexpectedly linked to reduced eclampsia and labor inductions.

Conclusions:

• Work requirements for food benefits can adversely affect infant health, especially upon waiver termination.
• Findings suggest policy implications for ABAWD work requirement modifications.
• Evidence indicates potential harm to infant health when SNAP benefit access is restricted for vulnerable populations.