Fertility transition in Latin America.

The population of the Caribbean and Latin America Doubled to 441 million between 1960-1988. These regions, during the 1950's experienced increases in their growth rate (3%) fertility rate (5/woman); and the rates of gross domestic product (2.6% per capita). However, as they entered the 1960s, these regions experienced declines in fertility rates, mortality rates, and crude birth rates. Recent available data on these regions allows for the breakdown of countries into 1 of 4 groups: transition complete or nearly complete - with the total fertility rate (TFR) standing at 3 children/woman; advanced transition - with the TFR at 4 children or less/woman; intermediate transition - with the TFR at 5 children/woman; and delayed transition - with the TFR at 5-6 children/per woman. High fertility rates can in some way be attributed to age at marriage; in various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, women are married at a young age. Despite the increased use of contraceptive methods (condoms, the Pill, sterilization and/or withdrawal), there exists very little knowledge of contraception. In some cases abortion is a last resort; however, in countries where abortions are legal, the termination of pregnancies are almost equal to births. In Latin America, there is a short duration of breast feeding; a relationship exists between socioeconomic status and breastfeeding. The duration of breastfeeding has increased in countries where the number of urban areas have increased. Governments should work to increase access to contraception as well as keeping them at a low cost.