Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
This study examines the possible link between the current trend to reduce availability of abortion services and the incidence of low birthweight births. Using current data on births and abortions in Atlanta and New York City, we update and expand the earlier empirical results of Grossman and Joyce (The Journal of Political Economy, 1990, 98 (5), 98-1007). Using their latent variable model framework, we find some evidence for the 'cost of abortion' model, which assumes that increasing the full costs of abortion will be associated with more low birthweight, hence less healthy, infants. These results indicate that current trends towards the reduction of funding for various social services could exacerbate the problem of low birthweight.