Longer Parental Leave Linked to Increased Smoking Risks in Mothers

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Vienna has unveiled a concerning correlation between extended parental leave and an increased likelihood of smoking among mothers later in life. Published in the Journal of Health Economics on June 30, 2025, this research draws upon extensive data from over 8,500 mothers across 14 European nations, including Austria, Germany, and Sweden. The findings suggest that longer periods of maternity leave, while initially intended to support new mothers, may inadvertently lead to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking.

Sonja Spitzer, a demographer at the University of Vienna and the lead author of the study, stated, "We actually expected that longer career breaks would lead to mothers smoking less. However, our results clearly show that the likelihood of smoking later in life increases with longer periods of parental leave." This assertion is substantiated by the study's econometric analysis, which utilized an instrumental variable approach to establish causality. Specifically, it was found that for each additional month of maternity leave, the likelihood of smoking increased by 1.2 percentage points, with significant rises in overall smoking duration and daily cigarette consumption.

The research team, which included collaboration with the Hertie School Berlin and the TU Vienna, linked the smoking behaviors of mothers to historical parental leave policies in Europe from 1960 to 2010. This comprehensive dataset highlights how financial insecurity during lengthy leaves can exacerbate stress, potentially leading mothers to adopt smoking as a coping mechanism. Notably, mothers without financial support from partners were particularly vulnerable to these outcomes.

In contrast, the study also posits that shorter parental leave periods may have a protective effect against smoking. The researchers advocate for a balanced approach to parental leave policies, suggesting that while maternity leave is crucial for maternal health in the short term, excessively long leaves may produce unintended adverse effects.

Spitzer emphasized the importance of considering not only the health benefits of parental leave but also the financial and social implications it carries. She remarked, "Our findings shed new light on parental leave policies: parental leave is intended to relieve parents, but it can also have unintended side effects on health—especially when there is financial uncertainty surrounding the birth."

The implications of this study extend beyond individual health risks to broader societal considerations, particularly concerning family policy frameworks that strive to balance maternal health, economic stability, and gender equality. By examining the long-term health behaviors linked to parental leave, this research contributes significantly to the ongoing discourse about the effectiveness and design of family policies in Europe and the potential need for reform.

The study's conclusions call for policymakers to carefully reconsider the optimal duration of parental leave, weighing the benefits against the potential long-term health consequences. As countries continue to refine their family policies in response to evolving social dynamics, this research provides a critical perspective that underscores the complexity of supporting families without inadvertently fostering unhealthy behaviors.