An Analysis of Abortion Patterns for White and Non-White Women in the United States, 1973 to 2008

Abstract

After controlling for marital status and income, this study analyzes differences in abortion patterns for white and non-white women in the United States during the period 1973–2008. The findings suggest that white and non-white women are as likely to have an abortion before and after a child is born. Non-white women, however, are more likely to have an abortion early in their pregnancy, while white women show greater propensity if they have never had a previous abortion. With age, differences among all women are almost non-existent. Finally, the state where a woman resides may affect her desire to obtain an abortion.