Chapter
The Myth of Abortion and Crime Rates
50:01 - 57:49 (07:47)
In this episode, the hosts debunk the claim that the legalization of abortion led to a significant reduction in crime rates. They provide evidence to show that this argument is flawed and misleading.
Clips
This podcast episode exposes the flawed reasoning behind the argument that making abortions legal reduces crime rates.
50:01 - 52:31 (02:29)
Summary
This podcast episode exposes the flawed reasoning behind the argument that making abortions legal reduces crime rates. While some studies suggest a link, much of the data is unreliable or even false.
ChapterThe Myth of Abortion and Crime Rates
EpisodeFreakonomics
PodcastIf Books Could Kill
The idea that the legalization of abortion can decrease crime rates has been touted for years, but an economist specializing in abortion policy argues that it's not a big enough factor to explain the significant drop in crime rates seen in the US.
52:31 - 54:04 (01:33)
Summary
The idea that the legalization of abortion can decrease crime rates has been touted for years, but an economist specializing in abortion policy argues that it's not a big enough factor to explain the significant drop in crime rates seen in the US. While abortion may decrease birth rates, it's not the sole reason for the reduction in crime in the country.
ChapterThe Myth of Abortion and Crime Rates
EpisodeFreakonomics
PodcastIf Books Could Kill
Reductions in crime rates were driven by a shift in demographics, fewer adults killing each other, and a decrease in teenage homicides due to the crack epidemic.
54:04 - 57:49 (03:44)
Summary
Reductions in crime rates were driven by a shift in demographics, fewer adults killing each other, and a decrease in teenage homicides due to the crack epidemic. However, a surprising cascade effect occurred where teenagers began killing each other more frequently, opposite to what was expected.