Morals Aside: the Relationship Between Abortion and Crime

Abstract

Access to family planning and abortions is a contentious subject. However, there are economic consequences related to this subject that may not be immediately apparent that are worthy of investigation. For example, when comparing abortion rates in Oklahoma to crime rates in Oklahoma, is there any correlation that could conclude that abortion rates and crime rates go hand in hand? Is there a delayed effect? In this research, I use data on abortions and live births by county in Oklahoma to compare abortion rates and the incidence of crime.