[4] Opponents argue that the policy negatively affects children's poverty levels and health and also increases abortion rates.
[7] However, in 2001, another study found that family caps are inconclusive regarding reductions of out-of-wedlock births, abortions, or the size of welfare caseloads.
If in fact these policies correlate with a reduction in birth rates, the question remains whether they are caused by abortions or increased use of contraceptives.
[4] Proponents of family caps argue that the policy serves as an economic incentive to reduce birth rates and encourage personal responsibility.
However, a 2001 study found that the effects of the family cap policies were inconclusive, without any finding of a reduction on out-of-wedlock birth, welfare caseload, or abortions.
[5] Other benefits of the policy, as mentioned by the Governor of Mississippi, include a reduction of crime levels caused by fewer births from teenage mothers.