There is little doubt that most people do (and should) form their views on abortion primiarly through ethics, religion, and philosophy. Nonetheless abortion policy also has significant consequentialist elements. That is, to whatever extent we ban or legalize or regulate abortion, this decision has practical repercussions.
Now, for the first time, I have come across a survey of the econometric literature on abortion policy. It is written by Jon Klick, a very smart guy at AEI, and a former student of mine. The topics include “the effect on incentives on sexual activity, the effect of limiting unwanted births on welfare payments, crime rates, and women’s educational attainment, as well as the direct effect of changes in abortion policy on abortion and fertility decisions.”
Here is the link. The paper surveys statistical concepts but does not require quantitative expertise. It is well-written and covers a variety of highly emotional issues in a scholarly and dispassionate manner.
Comments are closed.