Publication

This paper examines differentials in fertility and contraceptive use in India by focussing on Muslim populations. The author uses data from India's 1992−93 and 1998−99 National Family Health Surveys. The analysis shows that socioeconomic factors do not explain lower use of family planning and higher fertility among Muslims. These findings suggest that greater availability of modern contraceptive methods and expansion of private-sector family planning services could increase contraceptive use and lower fertility among Muslims in India.