The final version of a Rutgers University study confirms that New Jersey's family-cap policy -- which cuts off extra cash benefits to welfare mothers who have more children -- has led to an overall decline in birth rates among that group. New Jersey became the first state to impose such a cap on benefits under a 1992 law.

• Between 1992 and 1996, there were an estimated 14,000 fewer births than would have otherwise been expected.
• Researchers concluded the law contributed to an increase of 1,400 abortions among welfare moms during the period.
• The abortion rate increased sharply after the new law went into effect -- then leveled off to about the same rate as before the law took effect.
• The study also found an increase in the number of women who used family planning and contraceptives.

Twenty other states have adopted similar family-cap laws since the federal government cleared the way two years ago for states to design their own welfare programs.

Source: Jennifer Preston, "With New Jersey Family Cap, Births Fall and Abortions Rise," New York Times, November 3, 1998.