Between 1985 and 1999 the abortion rate among minors has fallen by 50% and yet has received relatively little attention. According to a new study published by the Heritage Foundation, pro-life legislation is a contributing factor leading to the observed decline in abortion among minors.
Dr. Michael New, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Alabama and the studies author concludes,
Parental involvement laws reduced the minor abortion rate by an average of 1.67 abortions per 1,000 females between the ages of 13 and 17.The details behind New's conclusions are complex and involve the use of a comprehensive multiregression analysis to examine the correlation and potential contribution of many variables simultaneously. The results provide a substantial argument for the positive benefits of pro-life legislation at the state level.Medicaid funding restrictions reduced the minor abortion rate by an average of 2.34 abortions per 1,000 females between the ages of 13 and 17.
The results of two natural experiments indicate that pro-life legislation, not changing values, is responsible for the declines in abortion.
Source:
Analyzing the Effect of State Legislation on the Incidence of Abortion Among Minors, Michael J. New, Ph.D., Center for Data Analysis Report #07-01
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