Policy Analysis: Impact of Legislative Policy on Infant Mortality
Abstract
**Please note that the full text is embargoed** ABSTRACT: This study examined the impact of health policy on infant mortality. Public Use Data Files were
used to assess differences in groups before and after the initiation of health policy as law. House
Bill 1983 restricted the delivery of infants before 39 weeks gestation when born by elective
induction or elective cesarean section. Infants born prematurely are at higher risk for adverse
outcomes. A total of 3,078 identified infants were included in the sample. Infants were
categorized according to their gestational age of 33-34 weeks, 35-36 weeks, and greater than 37
weeks. Data analyzed showed no statistical significance in the number of births within these
categories or any association between groups before or after the bill became law. Pearson's Chi
Square was used to identify differences in geographical areas and was found to be statistically
significant (p = .000) with the greatest differences in large metropolitan areas within the State of
Texas. Infant outcomes were noted as death or discharge. Ninety-seven percent (n=2980) of
infants were discharged home and less than 0.5% (n=13) expired during the hospital stay.
Inferences as to whether death occurred following discharge home could not be made based on
the analysis of the data.