A recent University of Kansas graduate is facing questions over a conflict of interest after a March 11 academic paper on abortion restrictions did not disclose her advisor's ties to an abortion-rights organization.
According to The College Fix, graduate student Lilly Springer argued in a study published in Economic Inquiry that “total abortion bans” lead to increased enrollment in government food assistance programs, arguing the increase could strain resources for other low-income individuals.
The outlet reported that Springer claimed there were no conflicts of interest in her study. In her paper, however, she acknowledged her advisor, Daniel Dench, who is a paid consultant for the Center for Reproductive Rights, which advocates for legal access to abortion through the ninth month of pregnancy.
According to The College Fix, Economic Inquiry editor Tim Salmon said authors are responsible for disclosing conflicts at submission and that papers could otherwise “be retracted.”
Michael New, a professor at The Catholic University of America, also highlighted a “double standard” in academic publishing, noting pro-life researchers have faced criticism over affiliations even when no financial compensation was involved, The College Fix reported.
Springer estimated $6.9 million in costs tied to increased births following abortion restrictions, arguing that more births would lead to higher government spending. Critics, including New, have questioned that framing, saying it reduces births to a fiscal cost.
New also pointed to the study’s findings as evidence that pro-life laws are having their intended effect.
“If births increase after a strong pro-life law takes effect,” New said according to the outlet, “that is powerful evidence that the pro-life law is preventing abortions and saving lives.”