Estimating the effect of higher education on abortion

Abstract

We estimate the effect of higher education on abortion probability in Russia via hierarchical (recursive) probit model with nonrandom selection. To check the robustness of the results modifications of this model accounting for heteroscedasticity and non‐normality of random errors are also applied. We have found statistical evidence that higher education decrease abortion probability. Furthermore, the results of the analysis suggest that there is nonrandom selection into pregnant women and without accounting for it the effect of higher education may be underestimated.