CPSP researchers highlight poverty spike among new mothers and show how a ‘birth grant’ can help
While the arrival of a newborn is often a cause for celebration, many women in the United States are likely to fall into poverty, with over 1 out of 4 mothers experiencing poverty in the month after birth. Moreover, the birth of a child increases the risk of poverty in particular for first-time mothers and women of color. In a new research note in Demography, CPSP researchers highlight the high poverty rates new mothers face and the need for public programs to do more to protect them.
To support mothers around childbirth, many countries offer cash assistance through a 'birth grant'. A related CPSP research brief found that a one-time $1,800 cash birth grant to mothers could nearly eradicate their poverty in the month of their child’s birth. If a one-time birth grant was coupled with a monthly child allowance, poverty in the month of birth would be almost eliminated and poverty among mothers and children would be kept consistently lower throughout the year.
Citations:
Hamilton, Christal, Laurel Sariscany, Jane Waldfogel, and Christopher Wimer. 2023. “Experiences of poverty around the time of a birth: A research note.” Demography, 10837403. https://doi.org/10.1215/00703370-10837403
→Read: Experiences of Poverty Around the Time of a Birth: A Research Note
Hamilton, Christal, David Harris, Christopher Wimer, Sara Kimberlin, Sophie Collyer, and Irwin Garfinkel. 2023. “The case for a federal birth grant: a plan to reduce poverty for newborns and their families.” Poverty and Social Policy Brief, vol. 7, no. 1. Center on Poverty and Social Policy, Columbia University. Access at: povertycenter.columbia.edu/publication/case-for-federal-birth-grant
→Read: The Case for a Federal Birth Grant: A Plan to Reduce Poverty for Newborns and their Families