The relative odds ratio and the theory of abortion choice

Abstract

This paper hypothesizes that rational household choice with respect to abortion can be conceptualized and empirically measured by way of the relative odds ratio. If, indeed, the household behaves rationally and is endowed with perfect information, it can state its odds of choosing an abortion and will do so in a consistent and noncontradictory way. In this respect, the behavior of the household's odds ratio with respect to abortion choice should confirm Becker's hypothesis regarding cost minimization of child rearing as a tradeoff between child quality and child quantity. This study's empirical findings for a sample of U.S. households reveal odds ratios consistent with Becker's expectation that white household responses to hypothetical abortion inquiries would indicate a preference for child quality, while black responses yield odds ratios pointing to a decided preference for child quantity.