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Beyond Nature and Nurture: The Impact of China’s Compulsory Schooling Law on Selection Against High-Risk Fetuses

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Huang
  • Xiaoyan Lei
  • Guangjun Shen
  • Ang Sun

Abstract

The impact of maternal education on child health has been well documented. Using the variations in exposure to China’s Compulsory Schooling Law (CSL), we find that education induced a lower incidence of teenage pregnancy and a higher likelihood of induced abortion following prenatal checkups. A back-of-the-envelope calculation shows that these channels could explain 45 percent of the birth defect decline induced by the CSL. The findings suggest that in countries where abortions are allowed, maternal education improves child health by decreasing pregnancy at an immature age and selection against abnormal or unhealthy fetuses.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Huang & Xiaoyan Lei & Guangjun Shen & Ang Sun, 2026. "Beyond Nature and Nurture: The Impact of China’s Compulsory Schooling Law on Selection Against High-Risk Fetuses," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 61(2), pages 453-486.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:61:y:2026:i:2:p:453-486
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.0220-10720R4
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    File URL: http://jhr.uwpress.org/cgi/reprint/61/2/453
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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