Abortion Access and Child Maltreatment

This study examines the link between abortion access and child maltreatment using data from the National Incident-Based Reporting System, National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), and the Myers abortion facility database from 2011 to 2018. A 100-mile increase in travel distance to the nearest abortion facility increases maltreatment reports by 8.5%, driven by child neglect and physical abuse, with strongest effects for infants, non-White children, and those in disadvantaged, minority, and rural areas. Analyses with NCANDS data and eviction records highlight economic stability and housing security as mediators. These findings highlight the importance of reproductive healthcare access in reducing maltreatment and alleviating associated socioeconomic challenges.