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The consequences of miscarriage on parental investments

Author

Listed:
  • Rita Ginja

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies)

  • Aline Bütikofer

    (Norwegian School of Economics)

  • Orla Doyle

    (UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy)

  • Deidre Coy

    (UCD School of Economics)

Abstract

Pregnancy loss is often a traumatic event which may impact both parents and subsequent children. Using Norwegian registry data, we exploit the random nature of single, early miscarriages to examine the impact of pregnancy loss on parental investment and family outcomes. We find that pregnancy loss improves maternal health investments in the subsequent pregnancy regarding supplement use, smoking, preventative healthcare, and physician choice. While a miscarriage negatively affects labor market attachment, it has limited effects on children born after the loss. This suggests that investment in the next pregnancy may offset the negative consequences of stress associated with pregnancy loss.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Rita Ginja & Aline Bütikofer & Orla Doyle & Deidre Coy, 2024. "The consequences of miscarriage on parental investments," IFS Working Papers W24/06, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:ifsewp:24/06
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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