The Economics of Reproduction-Related Health Care
This paper presents the first systematic estimates of the direct money costs of reproduction-related health services. In 1982 Americans spent approximately $17.7 billion for contraception, abortion, treatment of infertility, obstetrical care, and infant care. This represented 5.5 percent of total health care spending and was equal to $327 per woman of reproductive age (15?44). Obstetrical care accounted for almost half of the reproduction-related expenditures and infant care accounted for morethan one-third. The paper discusses the demographic, technologic, economic,and sociopolitical factors that determine these expenditures. It also considers related public policy issues regarding legal status, sources of funding, and allocation of resources.
Published Versions
Fuchs Victor and Leslie Perreault. "Expenditures for Reproduction-Related Health Care," Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 255, No. 1,(Jan. 3, 1986), pp. 76-81.