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Journal of Economic Perspectives: Vol. 25 No. 3 (Summer 2011)

JEP Volume. 25, Issue 3 | Previous ArticleNext Article

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JEP - All Issues

Killing Me Softly: The Fetal Origins Hypothesis

Article Citation

Almond, Douglas, and Janet Currie. 2011. "Killing Me Softly: The Fetal Origins Hypothesis." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 25(3): 153-72.

DOI: 10.1257/jep.25.3.153

Abstract

In the epidemiological literature, the fetal origins hypothesis associated with David J. Barker posits that chronic, degenerative conditions of adult health, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, may be triggered by circumstances decades earlier, particularly, by in utero nutrition. Economists have expanded on this hypothesis, investigating a broader range of fetal shocks and circumstances and have found a wealth of later-life impacts on outcomes including test scores, educational attainment, and income, along with health. In the process, they have provided some of the most credible observational evidence in support of the hypothesis. The magnitude of the impacts is generally large. Thus, the fetal origins hypothesis has not only survived contact with economics, but has flourished.

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Authors

Almond, Douglas (Columbia U)
Currie, Janet (Princeton U)

JEL Classifications

I12: Health Production
J13: Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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