Study finds NYC tenant RTC program improves birth outcomes
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics examined the connection between the NYC tenant right to counsel program and birth outcomes of tenant families. The study began by noting that “A large and evolving literature documents adverse health effects of evictions. Evictions impose significant stress, disrupted health care access, and nutritional deficits. Pregnancy is a sensitive period during which adversity can pose especially strong risk to pregnant people’s health and to fetal development.” It then found that “In this cohort study including 260 493 live births, right-to-counsel was associated with a statistically significant 0.96–percentage point absolute reduction in adverse birth outcomes among Medicaid-insured birthing parents.” The improvements related to avoiding low birth weight and preterm birth.
