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Trends in population and contraception
1Population Council, New York, N.Y.
Annals of Medicine
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Contraceptive use has surged globally, especially in developing nations, significantly reducing fertility rates. Continued access to affordable contraception is crucial to manage population growth and meet family planning goals.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Contraceptive use has dramatically increased in developing countries over the past 30 years, rising from 9% in 1960-65 to over 50% in the 1990s.
- This rise in contraceptive prevalence correlates with a significant decrease in total fertility rates in the developing world, from over 6 to approximately 4.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the trend of increasing contraceptive use in developing nations.
- To underscore the importance of accessible and affordable contraceptives in managing projected global population growth.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global contraceptive prevalence data from 1960 to the 1990s.
- Review of United Nations population growth projections.
Main Results:
- Contraceptive prevalence in developing countries now exceeds 50% and continues to rise annually.
- Total fertility rates have fallen significantly, indicating progress towards replacement levels.
Conclusions:
- Sustained availability of affordable contraceptives is essential to meet the fertility objectives of populations in developing countries.
- While new contraceptive technologies are beneficial, widespread access and affordability are paramount for managing future population increases, projected at over 90 million annually.