Factors Affecting the Availability of Abortion Providers

Abstract

This study, using state data, empirically examines the factors affecting the availability of abortion providers over the period 1992–2011. The empirical results found that the labor force participation of women and the percentage of women of reproductive age in the 18–24 age group were positively associated with the number of abortion providers in a state. The level of antiabortion activities and antiabortion attitudes were negatively associated with the number of abortion providers in a state. Also, a state’s abortion rate was positively associated with the number of abortion providers. The enforcement of a parental involvement law by a state significantly deters physicians or organizations from becoming or remaining abortion providers. JEL Classifications: I11, I18, K32, K38