Unobstructed access to abortion is a crucial component of healthcare, particularly for teens who have higher risks of negative health consequences associated with birth. I look at the impacts of abortion restrictions on teen health by analyzing US parental involvement laws (PILs), which prohibit physicians from preforming abortions on minors without including their guardians in the decision. Using RDD and DID methods, I examine the differential changes in birth and morbidity rates between 17- and 18-year-olds in states with and without PILs. My research finds that PILs lead to significantly higher birth and morbidity rates among 17-year-olds, driven by states with stricter laws, and by black and low-income women. Given these findings, policymakers must be aware that restricting teen’s access to abortion may not have the intended positive results, particularly for certain higher-risk populations.
