What question did this study set out to answer?

The study examines how the expanded Child Tax Credit affects perinatal health outcomes among low-income families.

April 8, 2026Open Access

The impact of the 2021 Child Tax Credit on perinatal health: Evidence from the Expansion and Post-expiration Periods

Key Points

The study examines how the expanded Child Tax Credit affects perinatal health outcomes among low-income families.
Analyzed maternal health outcomes during the monthly payments period and post-expiration period.
Evaluated likelihood of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and prenatal care access.
Conducted sensitivity analyses to ensure findings were robust.
Increased likelihood of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy during the monthly payments period.
Decreased likelihood of no or late prenatal care persisted through the end of 2022.
Overall positive effects on certain perinatal health outcomes were noted.

Abstract

waning by the end of 2022.For maternal outcomes, an increased likelihood of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and a decreased likelihood of no/late prenatal care were observed during the monthly payments period and persisting through the end of 2022.Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of findings. ConclusionsThese results suggest that the expanded CTC had positive effects on certain perinatal outcomes among low-income families, highlighting the potential of income support policies to reduce health inequities during a critical life stage and informing policymaking.

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