Changing contraceptive mores in Morocco: population data, trends, gossip and rumours

Abstract

Contrary to many expectations, Morocco has succeeded in lowering its population growth to 2.2 per cent in 1994, and under 2 per cent by the late 1990s. Data compiled in 1993 show that 41.5 per cent of women (54.4 per cent in urban areas) use some type of contraception to prevent birth. To determine the impact of increased contraceptive use I utilise the latest demographic findings, interviews with Moroccan health officials, scholars, opinion‐makers, and press reports. I analyse the importance of the increased use of contraceptives in relation to other socio‐economic indicators such as increasing urbanization, higher education levels and increased employment opportunities for women which generally correlate with increased contraceptive use and lower fertility rates. Finally, I weigh rumours as to their plausibility and suggest possible purposes for circulating rumours. Experts conclude that better attention to maternal and child health, decreased infant mortality figures, and better availability of contraceptives have contributed to lower fertility rates. Current trends in contraceptive use point to decreased family size and differing methods of contraception employed (including tubal ligation and using abortion as a means of birth control). However, the growing acceptance of contraception also gives rise to rumours about sexual behaviour which is made possible by easy access to contraception. Thus increased sexual activity of unmarried women and greater visibility of prostitution are linked to changes in women's roles and their ability to avoid pregnancies. Rumours are particularly useful in that they point out public suspicions and fears, but also indicate behaviour for which we have no statistical evidence as of yet. The paper concludes that contraceptive use in Morocco is changing rapidly. Interest in contraceptive use has grown and is expected to continue to grow. Use of contraception has become a sticking point with conservative political and religious forces in the country as it symbolises transformations in family relations, in male and female roles and in functions of the family unit which are deeply unsettling. Furthermore, many suspicions voiced two decades ago as to the effects contraception will have on social morals are being realised.