Journal article

Authors list: Pfeifer, G; Stockburger, M

Publication year: 2023

Journal: Journal of Health Economics

Volume number: 91

ISSN: 0167-6296

eISSN: 1879-1646

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102775

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
We analyze the introduction of prescription-free access to morning-after pills-emergency con-traceptives that aim to prevent unintended pregnancy and subsequent abortion after unprotected sexual intercourse. Exploiting a staggered difference-in-differences setting for Europe combined with randomization inference, we find sharp increases in sales and manufacturers' revenues of more than 90%. However, whilst not reducing abortions significantly, the policy triggers an unexpected increase in fertility of 4%, particularly among women aged 25-34. We elaborate on mechanisms by looking at within-country evidence from several EU countries, which suggests that fertility is driven by decreasing use of birth control pills in response to easier access to morning-after pills.

Harvard Citation style: Pfeifer, G. and Stockburger, M. (2023) The morning after: Prescription-free access to emergency contraceptive pills, Journal of Health Economics, 91, Article 102775. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102775

APA Citation style: Pfeifer, G., & Stockburger, M. (2023). The morning after: Prescription-free access to emergency contraceptive pills. Journal of Health Economics. 91, Article 102775. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2023.102775