Researchers

Adan Silverio-Murillo; Lauren Hoehn-Velasco; Jose Roberto Balmori De la Miyar; Judith Senyancen Méndez Méndez

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility and newborn health in Mexico. We use national administrative data and an event-study design to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility and delivery characteristics. Our findings suggest that Mexico’s fertility rate declines temporarily for conceptions that would have occurred during the stay-at-home order. Initially, the fertility rate falls by 10% but quickly rebounds and returns to original levels by May 2021. Still, the overall fertility rate remains 3% lower over the post-pandemic period. Similarly, newborn health deteriorates during the pandemic. Instances of low birth weight and prematurity substantially increase, with both remaining elevated over the entire post-pandemic period.

Key Findings

Our findings suggest that Mexico’s fertility rate declines temporarily for conceptions that would have occurred during the stay-at-home order. Initially, the fertility rate falls by 10% but quickly rebounds and returns to original levels by May 2021. Still, the overall fertility rate remains 3% lower over the post-pandemic period. Similarly, newborn health deteriorates during the pan- demic. Instances of low birth weight and prematurity substantially increase, with both remaining elevated over the entire post-pandemic period.

Link to Results

Working paper (under review)- October 2021

Impact Goals

Project Data Collection Mode

Link to Public Data

http://www.dgis.salud.gob.mx/contenidos/basesdedatos/BD_Cubos_gobmx.html

Results Status

Results