THE EFFECTS OF MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR ABORTION

Abstract

In this dissertation, I examine the causal impact of Medicaid abortion coverage on abortion utilization, births, economic, and maternal health outcomes. I do so by leveraging benefit changes in Illinois, Maine, and West Virginia. Major findings suggest Medicaid abortion coverage increases the abortion rate and decreases birth rates, although the effects differ by state. I also found that Medicaid abortion coverage increases individual wage income and decreases the poverty rate among females of reproductive age. I did not find evidence that introducing Medicaid abortion coverage increased educational attainment or decreased maternal morbidity. The findings have important policy implications for the wellbeing of people capable of pregnancy.