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April 28, 2021

Recession linked to more abortions, vasectomies

By Jason Buckland, Sympatico / MSN Finance

Yesterday in this space, we discussed how abandoned swimming pools – left untended by mass home foreclosures – were becoming havens for disease-spreading mosquitoes, a cruel sign of just how the recession is still affecting us.

It offered an interesting angle on the downturn, at least, and here – so does this.

Several news agencies have reported poor economic times have caused couples to rethink parenthood, resulting in a staggering spike in the instance of abortions and vasectomies.

While there isn’t any immediately available data to support the claims, there’s some pretty damning anecdotal evidence floating about should you choose to question the idea.

According to Reuters, phones at the U.S.’ National Abortion Federation have been “ringing off the hook” recently, thousands of women reportedly on the other end of the line seeking information on the procedure due to the unstable economy.

“We are currently getting more calls from women who report that they or their partner have recently lost their job,” said the federation’s president, “and we are also hearing from more women facing eviction.”

Men, too, appear to be evaluating fatherhood with an increased level of uncertainty these days. The frequency of vasectomies is said to have shot up in the past six months, a time period in which urologists have noticed an uncommon drop in the number of men seeking vasectomy reversals, as well.

“Many (men) are afraid that they are going to lose their jobs and their health insurance,” said Lawrence Ross, the American Urological Association’s former president. “So while they are covered, a lot more patients, it pushed them over the edge to get it done more quickly.”

Not surprisingly, you can find no shortage of media ready to bash this trend, eager to fire with the requisite Hell In A Handbasket argument and lambast the world for its shameful irresponsibility.

Yet at least one blogger says abortions – in a recession – are a good thing. If you can get past her contentious opening, the author actually makes some decent points that need to be tossed into any relevant discussion.

Controversial story? Yeah, you bet, and I won’t even try to offer an opinion on the matter. You guys tell me what’s right here.

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Gordon PowersGordon Powers

A long-time fund company executive, Gordon Powers now heads up the Affinity Group, a financial services consulting firm. Gordon was a personal finance columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years, has taught retirement planning...

Jason BucklandJason Buckland

The modern-day MC Hammer of money, Jason can often be seen spending cash that isn’t his with the efficiency of a Wilt Chamberlain first date. After cutting his teeth as a reporter for the Toronto Sun, he joined the MSN Money team with...