Pakistan's fertility rate is high due to a complex interplay of socioeconomic and cultural factors, but it is important to note that it has been decreasing.
Key Contributing Factors:
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High Illiteracy Among Women: Lack of education limits women's awareness of family planning options and their ability to pursue economic opportunities outside the home. Educated women tend to have fewer children.
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Limited Urbanization: Rural areas, where traditional values often prevail, tend to have higher fertility rates than urban areas. Urbanization often leads to better access to education, healthcare, and family planning services.
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Lack of Economic Opportunities for Women: When women have limited access to employment and economic independence, they may be more likely to have larger families. Greater economic opportunities empower women to make choices about their reproductive health.
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Contraception Availability and Use: Limited access to and low utilization of contraception methods significantly contribute to higher fertility rates. This can be due to factors like cost, availability in rural areas, cultural barriers, and misinformation.
Other Contributing Factors:
- Cultural and Religious Factors: Traditional beliefs that favor large families and male children can influence fertility decisions.
- Poverty: In some cases, families may view children as a source of labor or future economic support, leading to larger families.
- Infant Mortality Rate: Although decreasing, a higher infant mortality rate can lead families to have more children to ensure some survive.
While Pakistan's fertility rate remains relatively high compared to other countries, progress is being made in addressing these issues, leading to a gradual decline in the fertility rate over time. Increased access to education, family planning services, and economic opportunities for women are crucial for further reductions in the fertility rate.
