Internal Migration, Remittance, and Contraceptive Use in India

This study examines the association between internal migration and contraceptive use of households at origin, and the mediating effect of increased household income through remittances. The India Human Development Survey (2004-2005) is used to ascertain patterns of contraceptive use households with and without migrants. Overall, the experience of migration is critical: Households with a migrant have significantly higher contraceptive use than households without a migrant. Also, additional income is important: In low fertility regions (TFR at or less than 2.1), some remittance is associated with lower contraceptive use, while in intermediate fertility regions (TFR between 2.1 and 2.7), high remittance amount is associated with increased contraceptive use despite controlling for spousal absence. Family planning programs targeted at increasing contraceptive use among women must consider the importance of migration and diffusion of ideas in influencing contraceptive decisions. Future studies should account for potential influence of accumulated wealth, and how it manifests itself in family decisions regarding optimal family size.