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Non-Marital Pregnancies and ex-nuptial births in New Zealand

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

A. D. Trlin  and
L. T. Ruzicka
A. D. Trlin
Affiliation:
Department of Demography, Australian National University, Canberra
L. T. Ruzicka
Affiliation:
Department of Demography, Australian National University, Canberra
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Summary

An investigation of the incidence and pattern of non-marital pregnancies in New Zealand, and their outcome as nuptial or ex-nuptial births, has revealed four major features. The post-war period has been marked by a steady increase in the incidence of non-marital pregnancies, especially since the early 1960s (following the inclusion of Maori vital events). Pre-marital or bridal pregnancies increased during the 1950s, but have steadily declined at all ages between 16 and 23 years during the 1960s and early 1970s. Nuptial fertility rates for women aged 35 years and over have declined continuously since 1945, and since the early 1960s the decline has commenced for women at younger ages as well. Ex-nuptial fertility rates have been increasing throughout the post-war period and particularly since the early 1960s.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 9 , Issue 2 , April 1977 , pp. 163 - 174
Copyright
Copyright © 1977, Cambridge University Press

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