Abortion-Policy-Induced Behavioural Shifts: Examining the Effects of the Abortion Pill PBS Listing on Risky Sexual Behaviour
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Open Access
Type
ThesisThesis type
HonoursAuthor/s
Fisher, AngusAbstract
This thesis empirically examines the sexual behavioural response of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of the medical abortion pill, which subsidised access to this abortion treatment. Using a regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) framework, we exploit ...
See moreThis thesis empirically examines the sexual behavioural response of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of the medical abortion pill, which subsidised access to this abortion treatment. Using a regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) framework, we exploit the August 1st 2013 listing date to find a significant increase in abortion uptake and births with no change in pregnancies as well as a shift towards more pro- tective sexual behaviours. This is evidenced by a greater use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and permanent contraceptive treatments as well as simultaneous reductions in STI transmission and increases in STI testing.
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See moreThis thesis empirically examines the sexual behavioural response of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of the medical abortion pill, which subsidised access to this abortion treatment. Using a regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) framework, we exploit the August 1st 2013 listing date to find a significant increase in abortion uptake and births with no change in pregnancies as well as a shift towards more pro- tective sexual behaviours. This is evidenced by a greater use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and permanent contraceptive treatments as well as simultaneous reductions in STI transmission and increases in STI testing.
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Date
2025-07-17Faculty/School
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, School of EconomicsShare