Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
We study the effect of maternal exposure to neighborhood crime during pregnancy on birth outcomes, using geographically detailed data for the city of Detroit. Exposure to homicides has deleterious effects on birth weight particularly at the lower end of the distribution. These effects are localized and weaken when homicides farther away from a mother’s neighborhood are considered. However, we find no discernible impacts of other serious violent or property crimes on infant health. Exposure to two or more homicides has the potential to wipe away positive effects of governmental welfare programs for pregnant women.