Fertility in the Philippines

The total fertility rate of the Philippines has shown a small but steady decline from 1980 to 2003 (Refer to Graph 1). Women are having fewer children; the birthrate is currently at an average of 3.5, a figure that has held firm for several years. In 1984, the Philippine government stated that it thought the fertility rate was high; however, the government did not implement any stringent restrictions, such as limiting the number of children per family, or requiring birth control (World Population Data Sheet, 2003). The basis for the recent steady decline in the fertility rate is the increased use of family planning over the last few years. The percentage of contraception use has risen a modest 5% from 1989 to present (World Population Data Sheet, 1989, 2003). The big change that has affected the total fertility rate is the difference in the number of women using modern methods of birth control compared to traditional less effective methods (Refer to Graph 4). In 1989, only 21% of women were using modern methods, while in 2003, 35% were using modern methods (World Population Data Sheet, 1989,2003). Modern birth control methods are certainly more effective, thus contributing to the decline in fert

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An important way to effect Philippine fertility rates is to decrease the number of abortions. The remaining 26 percent of married women — about 2. Usually women who choose to have an abortion are economically disadvantaged and providing for another child would be impractical and financially ill advised. The acceptance of modern birth control continues to fall on deaf ears for a large percentage of the population, highlighting the use of less efficient birth control methods. Modern birth control is not widely accepted; usually birth control methods are more non-traditional or natural methods, such as the “rhythm” method, billing ovulation, withdrawal or abstinence. 5 percent of married women of reproductive age in 1980 to 24.

Significant differences in fertility levels by region still exist. Having a better quality of life will possibly lower the fertility rate, because if people are confident that their children are going to live a full life, they may have fewer children. Numerous studies in developing countries have shown that high-fertility women are at increased risk for maternal mortality and morbidity. The majority of abortions performed are illegal, and according to Philippine law, people who perform them are subject to punishment, but they generally are not prosecuted, perhaps looking the other way on purpose. The practice is often discarded after a child is born. Consequently, the large differential between urban and rural fertility levels continues to widen.

Fewer factors influence the contraceptive behavior of sexually active female teenagers. The major issues that play a role in the variations of the Philippine fertility rate are the number of illegal abortions, informing and persuading more people to use modern birth control, and ensuring that the general public has a better standard of living so their babies can live longer.

Approximate Word count = 2732
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)

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