Jessica Wolpaw Reyes

Steve Levitt, Professor emeritus of economics at the University of Chicago, explores the unexpected link between legalized abortion and declining crime rates with Stanford's John Donohue and Amherst's Jessica Wolpaw Reyes. They delve into their groundbreaking research, revealing how abortion legalization may correlate with reduced crime and the complexities surrounding this controversial finding. The conversation also addresses misconceptions, the influence of environmental factors like lead exposure, and the role of data in public debates about sensitive topics.

In this thought-provoking discussion, economist Steve Levitt teams up with legal expert John Donahue and environmental economist Jessica Walpaw Reyes. They unpack the controversial link between legalized abortion and declining crime rates, shedding light on societal implications. The trio critically reflects on the complexities of causation versus correlation, the importance of access to abortion for marginalized communities, and the environmental factors influencing crime. Their insights spark a broader conversation on child welfare and the future of education.