Abortion and Crime

One has an effect on the other, but it may not be the effect you think.

VIOLENT crime in the United States shot up like a rocket after 1960. From 1960 to 1991, reported violent crime increased by an incredible 372 percent. This disturbing trend was seen across the country, with robbery peaking in 1991 and rape and aggravated assault following in 1992. But then something unexpected happened: Between 1991 and 2000, rates of violent crime and property crime fell sharply, dropping by 33 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Murder rates were stable up to 1991, but then plunged by a steep 44 percent.

JL

About the Author

John R. Lott Jr.

John R. Lott Jr. is the president of the Crime Prevention Research Center. He served as the senior adviser for research and statistics in the Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Legal Policy in the U.S. Department of Justice during 2020–21.

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One has an effect on the other, but it may not be the effect you think.

VIOLENT crime in the United States shot up like a rocket after 1960. From 1960 to 1991, reported violent crime increased by an incredible 372 percent. This disturbing trend was seen across the country, with robbery peaking in 1991 and rape and aggravated assault following in 1992. But then something unexpected happened: Between 1991 and 2000, rates of violent crime and property crime fell sharply, dropping by 33 percent and 30 percent, respectively. Murder rates were stable up to 1991, but then plunged by a steep 44 percent.

JL

About the Author

John R. Lott Jr.

John R. Lott Jr. is the president of the Crime Prevention Research Center. He served as the senior adviser for research and statistics in the Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Legal Policy in the U.S. Department of Justice during 2020–21.