Study Links Consent-Based Laws to 4% Fertility Decline in Europe
7 reported
A new study published in the Journal of Health Economics examines how expanding the legal definition of sexual assault affects fertility and sexual behavior, using a panel of European countries. The research, conducted by Adrian Mehic, finds that switching to tacit consent-based legislation reduces fertility by about 4% relative to the mean. The effect is driven by a decrease in couple formation and an increase in abortion rates. Supporting evidence suggests a behavioral channel in which more risk-averse individuals withdraw from dating and partner markets following the reform, altering the composition of those who remain active toward a pool that is less precautionary. Consistent with this compositional shift, contraceptive use rises among younger women but declines among older age groups, while condom use falls among young men. An analysis of appeals court verdicts in Sweden following the adoption of consent-based legislation shows a decline in unanimous guilty verdicts, indicating challenges in assessing tacit consent.
What’s reported
The study uses a panel of European countries.
Switching to tacit consent-based legislation reduces fertility by about 4% relative to the mean.
The effect is driven by a decrease in couple formation and an increase in abortion rates.
More risk-averse individuals withdraw from dating and partner markets following the reform.
Contraceptive use rises among younger women but declines among older age groups.
Condom use falls among young men.
Appeals court verdicts in Sweden show a decline in unanimous guilty verdicts after consent-based legislation.
Key figures
Adrian Mehic (author of the study)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
