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The Effects Of Statutory Rape Laws On Nonmarital Teenage Childbearing

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  • CHRISTOPHER A. JEPSEN
  • LISA K. JEPSEN

Abstract

Many policy makers view the enforcement of statutory rape laws as a way to reduce teenage childbirths. This article considers whether unmarried teenage girls covered by a state statutory rape law are less likely to give birth than girls who are not covered by a statutory rape law. The presence of statutory rape laws is negatively correlated with nonmarital birthrates for white females but is not a significant predictor for black or Hispanic females. In contrast, the enforcement of statutory rape laws has a deterrent effect on teen childbearing for blacks and Hispanics but not for whites. (JEL J13,K14)

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher A. Jepsen & Lisa K. Jepsen, 2006. "The Effects Of Statutory Rape Laws On Nonmarital Teenage Childbearing," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 24(1), pages 35-51, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:24:y:2006:i:1:p:35-51
    DOI: 10.1093/cep/byj005
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    Cited by:

    1. Louis‐Pierre Lepage, 2022. "Do age of consent laws decrease teen births?," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 55(3), pages 1431-1459, August.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • K14 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Criminal Law

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