State-level increases in the minimum wage may be associated with meaningful improvements in maternal health, according to a new population-based analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The study found that higher minimum wages were linked to lower rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, a group of conditions that are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States.1
Examining policy effects on maternal health
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, represent a major public health concern, particularly in disadvantaged communities. These conditions are associated with serious risks for pregnant individuals and infants, including stroke, heart disease, seizures, and preterm birth. Prior…