Some estimates of the potential reduction in the United States infant mortality rate by family planning.

Abstract

Based on data from the U.S. 1960 Live Birth Cohort Study estimates of the potential direct effects of family limitation in reducing infant mortality are small. A total birth order greater than 3 (4 for nonwhites) is associated with higher than average white infant mortality rates while maternal ages of 20-34 (20-39 for nonwhites) are optimal for reduced rates. Assuming family limitation to birth order 3 potential reduction in infant mortality rates would be only 10% with greater response in postneonatal than neonatal rates and among whites than blacks. Preventing all birth orders among women over 35 or under 20 would reduce rates only 1% and 5% respectively. Infant mortality might be reduced as much as 29% if family limitation to birth order 3 is combined with optimal spacing and timing of births with respect to maternal age (birth order 1 to women 20-29; orders 2 and 3 to women 25-34 only). If family planning is to have any effect on lowering infant mortality comprehensive programs must pay more attention to timing of first births and maternal age along with family limitation.