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Are People Fleeing States with Abortion Bans?

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel L. Dench
  • Kelly Lifchez
  • Jason M. Lindo
  • Jancy Ling Liu

Abstract

In this study, we investigate whether reproductive rights affect migration. We do so using a synthetic difference-in-differences design that leverages variation from the 2022 Dobbs decision, which allowed states to ban abortion, and population flows based on change-of-address data from the United States Postal Service. The results indicate that abortion bans cause significant increases in net migration outflows, with effect sizes growing throughout the year after the decision. The most recent data point indicates that total abortion bans come at the cost of more than 36,000 residents per quarter. The effects are more prominent for single-person households than for family households, which may reflect larger effects on younger adults. We also find suggestive evidence of impacts for states that were hostile towards abortion in ways other than having total bans.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel L. Dench & Kelly Lifchez & Jason M. Lindo & Jancy Ling Liu, 2025. "Are People Fleeing States with Abortion Bans?," NBER Working Papers 33328, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33328
    Note: CH EH LE LS PE
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    JEL classification:

    • H0 - Public Economics - - General
    • I0 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General
    • J0 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General
    • K0 - Law and Economics - - General
    • R0 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General

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