Infertility and fertility intentions, desires, and outcomes among US women

Karina Shreffler (), Cassandra Dorius, Julia McQuillan, Arthur Greil, Tiffany Spierling and Stacy Tiemeyer
Additional contact information
Cassandra Dorius: Iowa State University
Julia McQuillan: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Arthur Greil: Alfred University
Tiffany Spierling: Oklahoma State University
Stacy Tiemeyer: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Demographic Research, 2016, vol. 35, issue 39, 1149-1168

Abstract: Objective: Little is known about how the experience of infertility or identification as someone with infertility shapes women’s fertility intentions, desires, or birth outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to help fill this gap in knowledge for fertility-intentions research. Methods: Using data from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers (NSFB), we use linear and logistic regression methods to assess how infertility and parity statuses are associated with fertility intentions and desires, as well as how statuses at one point in time predict birth three years later. Results: We find that infertility is associated with lower fertility intentions. Women who have experienced infertility and/or identify as a person with infertility, however, express greater desires to have a baby and a higher ideal number of children. Women who meet the medical criteria for infertility are less likely than fecund women to give birth, despite greater desires. Conclusions: These findings have important theoretical implications for our understanding of the meaning of fertility intentions for those who think their ability to achieve their intentions is uncertain, as well as for empirical research on fertility.

Keywords: infertility; fertility; fertility intentions; births; National Survey of Fertility Barriers (NSFB) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J1 Z0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:dem:demres:v:35:y:2016:i:39

DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2016.35.39

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