Abstract

PIP: A series of 7 sample surveys and vital statistics are used to analyze major reproductive trends in Taiwan. The long term secular decline in fertility has leveled off, at least temporarily. The use of birth control is at very high levels, so that a large majority of women who want no more children are using contraception. 1st preferences for number of children, which decreased rapidly between 1970 and 1976, remained almost stationary between 1976 and 1980. However, the Coombs preference scales indicate a continuing decline in the underlying preference for large numbers of children. Nevertheless, the continuing preference for sons and the persistence of traditional familial forms may retard further fertility decline.