Abortion-Policy-Induced Behavioural Shifts: Examining the Effects of the Abortion Pill PBS Listing on Risky Sexual Behaviour

Abstract

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 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.