Fertility, contraception and population policies

Governments’ views and policies with regard to the use of contraceptives have changed considerably during the second half of the 20th century. At the same time, many developing countries have experienced a transition from high to low fertility with a speed and magnitude that far exceeds the earlier fertility transition in European countries. Government policies on access to contraceptives have played an important role in the shift in reproductive behaviour. Low fertility now prevails in some developing countries, as well as in most developed countries. The use of contraception is currently widespread throughout the world. The highest prevalence rates at present are found in more developed countries and in China.
Chapter 1. Global overview of government views and policies on fertility and on providing access to contraceptive methods -- Chapter 2. Five phases in the evolution of government policies -- Chapter 3. Government policies in developing countries -- Chapter 4. Government policies in developed countries -- Chapter 5. Summary and conclusions -- Annex table 1. Government policies on providing access to contraceptive methods, by major region and country: 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2001.

iv, 37 p.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 30-32).