Is Son Preference Constraining Contraceptive Use in India?

Abstract

The paper uses the National Family Health Survey (NFHS, 1992-93) data to examine the extent to which sex preferences have constrained the success of the family planning programme and inhibited the acceptance of contraception in the different states of the country. Analysis of data reveals a particulars strong preference for sons in the northern states. It was estimated that if son preference was completely eliminated, contraceptive
acceptance would increase by approximately 4 per cent and sterilization by 5 per cent for the country as a whole. However, there were marked state and regional differences. It was concluded that desire for male children has exerted a substantial depressing effect on family planning acceptance, particularly in the northern states.