Does Paid Sick Leave Facilitate Reproductive Choice?
Unlike most advanced countries, the United States does not have a federal paid sick leave (PSL) policy; however, multiple states have adopted PSL mandates. PSL can facilitate healthcare use among women of child−bearing ages, including use of family planning services. We combine administrative and survey data with difference−in−differences methods to shed light on these possibilities. Our findings indicate that state PSL mandates reduce birth rates, potentially through increased use of contraception services post−mandate. Overall, our findings imply that PSL policies may help women balance family and work responsibilities, and facilitate their reproductive choices.
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