Reproductive Motivation Versus Contraceptive Technology: Is Recent American Experience an Exception?

Abstract

Statistical evidence contradicts the premise that the age-specific fertility decline in the United States since the early 1960s is due primarily to modern contraceptive technology which prevented unwanted births and allowed realization of the ideal two-child family. Data coll ected from national surveys dating from the Depression through 1975 indicate that among white respondents aged 21 to 24 ideal family size rose to an average of 3 children and that until recently the two child family has been preferred by less than 50% of all respondents. Reductio n of unwanted births within marriage must be considered in relation to trends toward rising age at marriage and an increase in marital dissolution. The percentage of currently married women aged 20 to 24 dropped from 67% in 1960 to 58% in 1970. One study estimates that changing marital status accounted for 16% of the national birth decline between 1961 and 1968 and 14% between 1961 and 1973. United States vital statistics report an age-specific decline in actual married fertility of 28.9% during 1961-1970; change in parity distribution accou nts for 71% of this decline while increased contraceptive effectiveness accounts for only 22%. Although ever-increasing use of the pill implies some net reduction in contraceptive psycho-social costs data revealing decreasing public confidence in the pills safety demonstrates a strong motivation to control fetility despite the risks involved. Tabulation o f six national surveys indicates a 50% increased among men and a 30% increase among women believing the pill to be unsafe between 1966 and 1974. The American experience demonstrates the importance of motivational factors in intentional fertility decline. High fertility in developing countries may reflect weak motivation rather than limited access to modern contraception. Effective birth control policy should include emphasis on reproductive incentives.