Exploring the Simultaneity in Public Assistance and Abortion

Abstract

This paper studies the effects of time limits on abortion and welfare participation of low-income pregnant single females who may or may not have other children. In doing this, I explore the presence and nature (if it exists) of simultaneity in abortion and welfare participation. The results indicate that time limits, childcare and abortion subsidies, and public assistance payments are linked to abortion. In addition, the results indicate time limits simultaneously reduce welfare enrollments and increase abortion among low-income childless single pregnant females, and trigger abortion and shorter stays on welfare of low-income pregnant mothers. Thus, future empirical work should account for simultaneity of abortion and welfare participation.