The Calendar of Contraceptive Method Choice, France, 2000

Clementine Rossier, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)

This paper analyses a representative set of contraceptive histories collected in 2000 in France (n=1676), using both a period and a life-course approach. We first compare these contraceptive histories (1970-2000) to current contraceptive use data in three cross-sectional surveys (1978, 1988, 1994): respondents have simplified their contraceptive histories, omitting short episodes of non- and natural methods use. We then describe the evolution of contraceptive use between 1970 and 2000 in France: while modern methods have stopped diffusing, some amount of natural and local method use remains; condom use continues to increase among the young. We finally analyse contraceptive choice patterns over the life course: teenagers have a greater coverage of more efficient contraceptives. With age, two opposite forces are operating: parity increases contraceptive coverage, and the switch to longer lasting methods; non exposure decreases contraceptive coverage. The recourse to natural and local methods, constant through age, should be further studied.