Abstract

PIP: This article discusses trends in total marital fertility and wanted and unwanted fertility from eight states in India. Data were obtained from the 1992-93 National Family Health Survey for the large states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan and for the more socially advanced states of Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. The calculation of total marital fertility rates (TMFR) is based on the period parity progression ratio for 3 years before the survey. Wanted TMFR (WTMFR) indicates fertility preferences are met. Unwanted TMFR (UTMFR) indicates excess fertility. Desired fertility was 3-4 children in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, about 3 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and about 2 children in the other states. Uttar Pradesh had the highest unwanted marital fertility of about 1.4 children more than desired. Other states had an unwanted fertility of about 1 child more than wanted fertility. Total fertility was 2-3 children higher in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar than in Kerala. Total marital fertility would be reduced by 20-28% if women had only the number of children wanted in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Total marital fertility would be reduced by 31-34% in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Maharashtra if women had only wanted children. Unwanted childbearing was highest in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Maharashtra, states that lagged behind in contraceptive use. The TMFR was highest among illiterates and declined with higher education. UTMFR varied irregularly by educational level. Populous states had high WTMFR among illiterate women. UTMFR was highest among illiterate women only in Uttar Pradesh. Findings suggest that when fertility began to decline, education was strongly related to fertility preferences. Family planning should be directed to promoting the small family and meeting the needs of women desiring small families.