Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton arrives with former President Donald Trump at Manhattan criminal court before Trump's trial in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. (Justin Lane/Pool Photo via AP)
New research shows that restricted access to reproductive health care in Texas has led to an increase in financially motivated crimes, such as burglaries and robberies.

Following the passage of House Bill 2 in 2013, that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, many clinics across the state closed.

University of Vermont Assistant Economics Professor Erkmen Aslim is lead author of the research paper, entitled “Abortion, Economic Hardship, and Crime.” He said limiting access to abortions can lead to financial strains.

“You have limited access to abortion – and then, what happens to your economic condition, let’s say next year?” said Aslim. “And actually, we find that crime starts increasing right about two years after abortion was restricted.”

The research shows the financial crimes increased in areas that were farther away from abortion services.

There was no significant increase in violent crimes. But it’s believed as abortion restrictions increase, financial crimes could also increase.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits targeting health care professionals who mail abortion pills into the state.

Aslim said abortion restrictions are hardest on low-income families.

“And when you have a mistimed or unplanned birth, then it is financially destabilizing,” said Aslim. “About one million abortions take place each year in the U.S., and 73% of people who are seeking abortion are poor.”

He said limited abortion access also led to more evictions, mortgage delinquencies and increased income inequality.