University of Chicago Healthcare Economics Article Review: Crime Rate

This assignment presents an article review focusing on the complex relationship between healthcare economics and crime rates, specifically examining the impact of legalized abortion. The review analyzes the arguments presented in the article, including the viewpoints of various researchers and the author's perspective. It explores the factors contributing to the reduction in crime rates, such as increased spending on law enforcement, strategic initiatives, a strong economy, and reduced drug-related activities. The review also delves into the debate surrounding the causal relationship between legalized abortion and crime rates, referencing studies by the University of Chicago and Stanford, and considering the influence of these factors on different demographics. Ultimately, the review concludes that while legalized abortion may have a localized effect, other factors also play a significant role in influencing crime rates, encompassing a broader perspective on the economic and social dynamics at play.

Running head: ARTICLE REVIEW
HEALTHCARE ECONOMICS
[Document subtitle]

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ARTICLE REVIEW
Introduction
The article which was written by Robert J. Barro centers on the reduced crime rate in U.S. since
1991. This article has given many conclusions from various researchers who demonstrate
different reason of this fallen crime rate. But the author has mainly focused on the Legalized
Abortion as the focal point of change in crime rate. Many arguments are discussed in the articles
which are in favor as well as against this point.
Summary of Article
The article is supporting many points in favor and against the subject of abortion being legalized
in U.S. economy and reduced crime rates due to that. There are various explanations which are
up to keeping the point of falling crime rate in U.S. like high expenditure incurred in U.S. on
police and prisons; Strategies formulated, the economy being strongly structured and the reduced
activities related to crack cocaine. These points are contradicted by some researchers who have
concluded with facts and figures stating that in the districts of Columbia and Los Angeles the
crime rate has fallen significantly which are not known for the skills and policies. Also, the
economy was performing well with national crime rate at its peak between 1983 and 1989. In
contrary to this study, the two renowned professors of University of Chicago and Stanford had
established a causal relationship between Legalized Abortion and Crime rate by supporting their
theory using three evidences-firstly, they showed that the year in which abortion was legalized
and the year from which the crime rate started falling were close to each other. Secondly, in
California and New York, abortion was legalized in 1970 which was three years before U.S. in
1973 (Belloni, et al., 2014). Therefore countries who legalized early experienced faster and
sooner fall in the crime rate. Thirdly, they proved that 20% of the drop in abortion was because

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ARTICLE REVIEW
of the reduced population of the young generation who would likely follow their careers in crime
(Joyce, T. 2004).
Article Analysis
The author has given the opinion that if the legalizing of abortion has positive impacts on crime
rate fall, then the argument should be concluded in favor and support of this causal effect. But
there are other factors mentioned in the article which is being foreshadowed by the point of
legalized abortion like high expenditure incurred in U.S. on police and prisons, strategies
formulated, economy being strongly structured and the reduced activities related to crack cocaine
which may also stand to cause fallen crime rates in U.S. The author of this article is considered
to be biased towards the study by Professors of University of Chicago and Stanford.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the Study of a causal relationship between legalized abortion and
reduced crime rate is effective only in certain areas only and the reduction in crime rates are also
affected by other factors mentioned in the article like improvising the prison and police facilities,
a strong economy and reduced usage of cocaine. Etc. Also, the crime rates are effected by the
mentality of people of all age and income groups and do not get affected only by poor and rural
families.

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ARTICLE REVIEW
References:
Joyce, T. (2004). Did legalized abortion lower crime?. Journal of Human Resources, 39(1), 1-28.