Abstract
Abortion rates are increasing all around the world, especially for young women. Our proposals for public policies to reduce
unwanted pregnancies are based on an analysis of the socio-economic determinants of abortion rates. Special attention is paid
to regional levels of alcohol consumption, living conditions, and public spending on health and education. We carry out estimations
using data on regions in Spain from 1999 to 2004. There is empirical evidence that socioeconomic conditions, lifestyles, and
regional characteristics determine regional abortion rates. Our results suggest that it is important to design public policies
to reduce alcohol abuse, improve citizens’ working conditions, and promote gender equality through government-subsidised childcare.
unwanted pregnancies are based on an analysis of the socio-economic determinants of abortion rates. Special attention is paid
to regional levels of alcohol consumption, living conditions, and public spending on health and education. We carry out estimations
using data on regions in Spain from 1999 to 2004. There is empirical evidence that socioeconomic conditions, lifestyles, and
regional characteristics determine regional abortion rates. Our results suggest that it is important to design public policies
to reduce alcohol abuse, improve citizens’ working conditions, and promote gender equality through government-subsidised childcare.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s13178-011-0056-z
- Authors
- Ana I. Gil-Lacruz, Esc. Universidad de Ingeniería Técnica Industrial, Departamento Dirección y Organización de Empresa, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/María de Luna, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Marta Gil-Lacruz, Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Esc. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y del Trabajo, Universidad de Zaragoza, Violante de Hungría, 23, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Estrella Bernal-Cuenca, Departamento Dirección y Organización de Empresa, Facultad de Economía y Empresa, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/María de Luna, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy
- Online ISSN 1553-6610
- Print ISSN 1868-9884