The Shift from Natural to Controlled Fertility: a Cross-sectional Analysis of Ten Indian States

This study investigates the causes of the transition from natural to controlled fertility in India by comparing couples who have ever used contraception with those who remained under natural fertility conditions. Using sample study data this paper considers the relative effects of the factors involved in the shift to controlled fertility among ten early-transitional Indian States in 1970. The results indicate that it is primarily improvements in child mortality and its effects through intervening factors that account for the transition. The implication is that the success of a family planning program is largely a function of improvements in child health.