PREGNANCYBENEFIT · Policy Evaluation of a Pregnancy Benefit as a Novel Form of Family Policy in the EU

The proposed action contributes to tackling of a pressing challenge faced by the EU, which is finding new birth policies that would be effective in countering demographic decline. It does so by evaluating the impact of a new type of family policy (pregnancy benefit) on fertility behaviour (births and abortions) and on child health at birth. This is a unique research opportunity as pregnancy benefits are very rare. The evaluation will be conducted using high-quality, population-wide, administrative microdata and state-of-the-art microeconometric models.The project is inherently interdisciplinary, as it connects economics with demography, public policy, sociology, and women’s reproductive rights. The action includes intersectoral transfer of knowledge. First, the secondment institution conducts policy-relevant research tailored for the needs of the government and other public bodies. Second, the non-academic placement will occur in an NGO promoting gender equality and women's rights.The novelty of this research is threefold. First, it evaluates the impact of a novel prenatal cash transfer on fertility (as opposed to traditional postnatal policies). Second, it contributes to understanding of abortion-seeking behaviour (which is rarely done). Third, it evaluates the impact of an earmarked, non-means-tested transfer, on child health at birth (which has not been done previously).The proposed policy evaluation is important in the context of:[1] tackling demographic decline in the EU – a threat to long-term sustainability of public finances;[2] supporting cost-effective policy-making – evaluating effectiveness of costly family policies and choosing the best ones is useful for the tax-payer;[3] fostering gender equality – the evaluated anti-abortion policy is not restricting women’s reproductive rights.This project will strengthen the ERA, as it will be executed in a low R&I performing country. Currently, no economists in Slovak academia specialize in family policies.