Population Reports' Q&As

New Survey Findings: The Reproductive Revolution Continues

Contraceptive Use

What is the link between contraceptive prevalence (the percentage of married women using contraception) and fertility levels?

Fertility levels closely correspond to levels of contraceptive use. In countries where contraceptive use is widespread, fertility is low, and where contraceptive use is common, fertility is high. Increases in the use of contraception have been the principal direct cause of the fertility declines in the developing world.

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