It’s Up to the States: The Role of State-Based Safety Net Programs in Maternal Health Outcomes

Author

• Brooklyn Hall, University of Mississippi Main CampusFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

General Studies

First Advisor

Melissa Bass

Second Advisor

Ashley White Jones

Third Advisor

Clara Piano

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between state-based safety net programs and maternal health outcomes in the United States. Using the case studies of five states, namely Mississippi, Alabama, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California, this research examines how variations in programs such as Medicaid, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Paid Family Leave (PFL) influence maternal mortality rates and overall maternal health outcomes. The analysis shows that states with more generous and comprehensive safety net programs, like California and Minnesota, tend to report lower maternal mortality rates. In contrast, states with less robust programs, such as Mississippi and Alabama, experience higher rates. This research also utilizes peer-reviewed literature to explore the impact of income inequality and racial disparities on maternal health to underscore the importance of strong state-based safety net programs. Policy recommendations emphasize expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and strengthening other safety net programs to improve maternal health outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Hall, Brooklyn, "It’s Up to the States: The Role of State-Based Safety Net Programs in Maternal Health Outcomes" (2026). Honors Theses. 3579.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3579

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.