Impact of Tobacco-21 Laws on Maternal Smoking Behavior.

This study employs a logit difference-in-differences model to estimate the extent to which raising the tobacco purchasing age to 21 (T-21) reduced the prevalence of smoking among mothers aged 18-20 both before and during their pregnancies. Using United States Vital Statistics data from 2012 to 2019, we estimate that counties which adopted T-21, whether individually or as part of a state-level policy, experienced small but statistically significant decreases in maternal smoking prior to and during their pregnancies. Our estimates also suggest that the decline in smoking during pregnancy is driven by fewer women smoking prior to pregnancy rather than increased quit rates during pregnancy.

The Impact of WIC on Infant Immunizations and Health Care Utilization.

Objective: To test how prenatal participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) impacts health care utilization and immunizations within the first year of an infant's life.

Data Source: We utilize comprehensive South Carolina Medicaid claims data from 2004 to 2013 linked with birth certificates data from 2004 to 2012. These data contain information on WIC participation and all health care utilization within the first year of an infant's life.