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Impact of an extension of maternity leave on infant health

Author

Listed:
  • Fabian Duarte

    (Universidad de Chile)

  • Valentina Paredes

    (Universidad de Chile
    Institute of Labor Economics)

  • Cristobal Bennett

    (Universidad de Chile)

  • Isabel Poblete

    (Superintendencia de Seguridad Social)

Abstract

We study the effect of a 12-week maternity leave extension in Chile on the health of infants between 6 and 12 months old. Using unique administrative sick leave data for working women enrolled in the private health insurance system who gave birth between 2011 and 2013, we estimate the effect of this extension on the number of paid sick days taken by the mother due to her child being ill. We find that extending maternity leave improved infant health and decreased the number of sick days by 6.43 (0.18 SD) days on average. Additionally, we show that mothers with extended maternity leave take their infant to the pediatrician less often than mothers without the extended leave. Our results are consistent with a decrease in daycare attendance, which decreases exposure to communicable diseases.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabian Duarte & Valentina Paredes & Cristobal Bennett & Isabel Poblete, 2024. "Impact of an extension of maternity leave on infant health," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 37(1), pages 1-30, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:37:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s00148-024-00996-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-024-00996-y
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Maternity leave; Infant health; Sick leave; Administrative data; Doctor visits; Daycare;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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