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The Pie: An Economics Podcast

The Economics of Reproductive Choice

Dec 12, 2023
Yana Gallen, an Assistant Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy, shares insights from her research on the economic implications of reproductive choices. She discusses how unplanned pregnancies can lead to significant earnings losses for women, while planned births are less detrimental. The conversation highlights the historical impact of birth control on women's career trajectories and the importance of policy in shaping these decisions. Gallen also explores the interplay between motherhood and academia, revealing complex dynamics in work-life balance.
23:19

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Unplanned pregnancies can lead to significant earnings losses of up to 25%, severely impacting women's career advancement and long-term opportunities.
  • The ability to control reproductive choices allows women to invest in their education and careers, resulting in better economic outcomes compared to those facing unplanned pregnancies.

Deep dives

Impact of Unplanned Pregnancies on Career Advancement

Unplanned pregnancies can significantly hinder women's career advancement by affecting their occupational trajectories and earning potential. Research indicates that women who experience unplanned pregnancies, particularly at younger ages, face a stark wage drop of approximately 25% compared to their childless counterparts. This disruption affects not only immediate earnings but also long-term career opportunities, particularly in fields requiring advanced skills or training. For women enrolled in training programs at the time of an unplanned pregnancy, the financial impact can be even greater, resulting in earnings reductions of up to 35%.

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