How minimum wage changes affect moms' health
Minimum wages and maternal health in the U.S.
This project looks at whether raising the minimum wage improves health for pregnant and recently postpartum people, especially those with low incomes and people of color.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290745 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you're pregnant or recently gave birth, this research looks at whether higher minimum wages lead to better health for moms and babies. Researchers will link state minimum wage changes to health records like hospital and birth data and compare outcomes such as severe maternal complications and pre-existing health conditions across states and over time. They will focus on low-wage workers and racial groups that have experienced poorer pregnancy outcomes to see if income changes narrow those gaps. Much of the work uses existing health and economic records rather than in-person visits, but the findings could influence policies affecting earnings and access to care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who are pregnant or recently gave birth, particularly those working in low-wage jobs or living in states that change their minimum wage, are the most relevant population for this research.
Not a fit: People with stable higher incomes, those not dependent on wages for household resources, or those whose pregnancy risks are unrelated to economic factors may be less likely to see direct benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If higher minimum wages are tied to better maternal outcomes, policy changes could reduce pregnancy complications and narrow racial and income-related disparities in maternal health.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies link income-support programs (like tax credits) to improved birth outcomes, but the specific effects of minimum wage changes on severe maternal morbidity are less established.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgovern, Mark — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mcgovern, Mark
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.