Skip to main content
Back to Discussions

Consent-based laws and aggregate fertility

Society
European countries
Started June 3, 2026

This paper examines how expanding the legal definition of sexual assault affects fertility and sexual behavior, using a panel of European countries. I find that switching to tacit consent-based legislation reduces fertility by about 4% relative to the mean. This effect is driven by a decrease in couple formation and an increase in abortion rates. […] The post Consent-based laws and aggregate fertility appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION. CommentsWhy don't you make a post about how 60 minute...

Source Articles

Add Statement Analysis 0/5
Looking for a particular claim? Search all statements
🗳️ Join the conversation
5 statements to vote on • Your perspective shapes the analysis
📊 Progress to consensus analysis Needs 7+ participants and 20+ votes. Each statement joins once it has 3+ votes.
Participants 0/7
Statements (10+ recommended) 5/10
Total Votes 0/20
💡 Progress updates live here. Analysis can run once all three requirements are met.

Your votes count

No account needed. Your votes are saved and included in the consensus analysis. Create an account to keep a record of your votes.

CLAIM Posted by will • Jun 3, 2026
The reduction in fertility rates due to consent-based laws reflects a concerning trend in couple formation and societal values about family.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Jun 3, 2026
The relationship between consent laws and fertility is complex; more research is needed to understand the broader societal impacts.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Jun 3, 2026
Increasing abortion rates in response to consent-based laws suggests a need for better education and support around reproductive choices.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Jun 3, 2026
Fertility declines may be an acceptable trade-off for stronger protections against sexual violence through consent-based legislation.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Jun 3, 2026
Expanding consent laws empowers individuals and can lead to healthier relationships, even if it impacts fertility rates.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results

💡 How this works

  • • Add statements: Post claims or questions (10 to 500 characters).
  • • Vote: Agree, disagree or unsure on each statement.
  • • Respond: Add detailed arguments for or against, with evidence.
  • • Consensus: Once enough people take part, analysis shows opinion groups and where they agree.

Society Speaks is open and independent. Your support keeps civic discussion free from advertising and commercial influence.

Support us