UNMET INTENTIONS: THE GAP BETWEEN ACTUAL, PREFERRED AND INTENDED FERTILITY IN IRAN

The aim of this paper is to identify effecting factors on the gap between actual and preferred fertility in different levels of fertility in Iran. This research is conducted by survey method. The statistical population covered ever-married women aged 35-45 belonging to one of the household’s resident in two provinces. The total sample size was 800 household. A combination of sampling techniques including multistage clustering and systematic random sampling were employed. According to this study in Semnan province with below replacement fertility, the actual number of children is lower than of ideal family size and also the intended number of children. In Hormozgan province with above replacement fertility, 40% of women report that their actual number is higher than preferred number. High overachieved preferred parity can be attributed to some of an “unmet need” for contraception. We argue that the reasons for the gap are both individual and familial. The finding study identifies that cost of having children, tendency of women for higher education, unequal role in family life affecting the gap between actual and preferred number of children.
Keywords: actual, intended and preferred fertility, unmet intentions, value of childbearing, Iran