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Child Survival and Contraception Choice: Theory and Evidence

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  • Bhattacharya, Joydeep
  • Chakraborty, Shakha
  • Kim, Minkyong

Abstract

This paper asks whether increases in child survival rates urge couples to switch from traditional to modern methods of contraception. Our parsimonious model predicts the answer is, yes. We test these connections using household-level DHS data from recent fertility transitions using arguably exogenous variation in child survival at the regional level. We find a 1% increase in ambient child survival raises the chance of switching to modern birth control (and sticking to it) by 0.4%. Our finding supports the notion that family planning programs rise in impact as child survival rates improve.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhattacharya, Joydeep & Chakraborty, Shakha & Kim, Minkyong, 2024. "Child Survival and Contraception Choice: Theory and Evidence," ISU General Staff Papers 202409061521100000, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:isu:genstf:202409061521100000
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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