Freakonomics Radio 384. Abortion and Crime, Revisited
Jul 11, 2019
Economist Steve Levitt from the University of Chicago and Stanford Law's John Donohue dive deep into the controversial theory linking Roe v. Wade to the decline in crime rates. They discuss their original research and the backlash it faced, along with updated analyses in light of new abortion restrictions. The conversation also navigates the complex ties between abortion, unwanted children, and societal outcomes. Levitt and Donohue urge a shift to data-driven discussions, emphasizing the importance of evidence in shaping public policy debates.
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Crime Drop Puzzle
- Steve Levitt investigated the 1990s crime drop, exploring common explanations like policing and imprisonment.
- He found these factors alone couldn't fully explain the significant decrease.
Abortion-Crime Hypothesis
- Levitt initially dismissed the idea of legalized abortion impacting crime after extensive research.
- He later revisited this concept after a conversation with John Donohue.
The 'Unwantedness' Factor
- John Donohue's insight on 'unwantedness' was crucial for Levitt's research.
- Unwanted children are more likely to experience negative outcomes, including criminal behavior.