The Missing Determinant: The Importance of “Ease” in Obtaining Fertility Regulation Methods

Martha Campbell, University of California, Berkeley
Nuriye Hodoglugil, University of California, Berkeley
Brandon Swansfeger, University of California, Berkeley

While most demographers and economists have viewed socioeconomic factors as the driving forces behind fertility decline in developing countries, there is growing evidence that the “ease” of access to, or realistic availability of, fertility regulation methods may be at least as important in this demographic change. Much of the world's fertility decline has occurred where fertility regulation methods are relatively easy to obtain regardless of a "program", and those countries have not all exhibited economic development or significant improvements in education before the decline. In addition, there is evidence that removing barriers to family planning options actually builds a desire for small families – which would be consistent with our consumer behavior regarding other products and services. If governments and international donor agencies recognize and move to reduce certain barriers, this will benefit parents by enabling them to achieve their family size goals, and improve maternal health and child survival.