A Comparative Study of Recent Trends in Canadian and American Fertility, 1980-1999

Alain P. Belanger, Statistics Canada
Genevieve Ouellet, Statistics Canada

Canadians and Americans report wanting to have the same number of children. However, the differential between the two countries has increased over the last decade and is now about one-half child per woman. This study describes fertility differences between the two countries and explores possible explanations, drawing on vital statistics data and on two national fertility surveys conducted in 1995: the GSS and the NSFG. Growing gaps between the two countries are due to a sizable drop in fertility among Canadian women under 30 years of age. High fertility rate of American teenagers explains nearly a third of the difference. Unwanted pregnancies and births are more frequent in the United States, as is the use of abortion. Canadian females use more effective contraceptive methods than Americans. Marriage takes place earlier and is more widespread in the US. Labour market access is more difficult for young Canadians than for young Americans.