by Katherine N. Fisher
Abstract
By examining data on educational attainment, workforce participation, and marriage market bargaining power, this paper assesses the impact of legalized abortion on women’s welfare. Access to abortion is found to increase education levels and employment rates. However, such access may also increase rates of sexually transmitted disease and disadvantage women in the marriage markets. Although negative implications are established, they do not appear strong enough to counteract the positive impacts of abortion access. Legalized abortion is a highly demanded public good, and seems to serve in the best interest of women by empowering them through choice.
Professor Marjorie McElroy, Faculty Advisor
JEL Codes: H3, I14, K4
