15:00 - 16:40
P4-S104
Room: 1A.13
Chair/s:
Elias Markstedt
Discussant/s:
Sebastian Koehler
The impact of health problems during pregnancy on political engagement: evidence from the Swedish Pregnancy Panel (SPP)
P4-S104-4
Presented by: Elias Markstedt
Elias Markstedt 1, Dietlind Stolle 2, 3, Moa Frödin Gruneau 1, Karolina Lindén 1, 4, Verena Sengpiel 1, 4, Elin Naurin 1
1 University of Gothenburg
2 European University Institute
3 McGill University
4 Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg
While the impact of general health problems on political behavior is documented, pregnancy-related health complications remain underexplored. We use pregnancy-related health problems like severe pain, chronic conditions, and mental health challenges to explore how health issues shape politics.

We analyze data from the Swedish Pregnancy Panel, a longitudinal survey combined with medical records from the Swedish Pregnancy Register. Participants were surveyed from pregnancy week 22–24 up to two years postpartum. Health complications were identified via the registry using novel meta-codes assigned to individual diagnosis and procedure codes by healthcare staff. These meta-codes capture the seriousness, pain, and mental strain of the complications. We also match medical data with self-reported health status regarding, e.g., pelvic girdle pain.

We hypothesize that health complications lead to shifts in political attitudes and participation. Specifically, we investigate whether women experiencing health problems show increased interest in welfare support and parental policies, and whether health complications heighten the salience of social welfare policies via a policy feedback loop. Support for abortion rights might be strengthened by experiencing serious medical complications. Finally, we retest the thesis that medical problems might dampen political participation, and when health problems have mobilization consequences.

The findings from this study will contribute to understanding how specific health experiences influence political behavior, underscoring the importance of considering pregnant women's perspectives with health challenges in policymaking. By illuminating the political implications of pregnancy-related health complications, this research informs strategies to enhance political engagement among women facing pregnancy health issues, promoting inclusive governance.
Keywords: health effects, pregnancy, political behavior, political attitudes

Sponsors