Last updated October 2009
Authors:
Nava Ashraf; Erica Field
Abstract:
Little rigorous empirical evidence exists to substantiate claims
that access to reproductive health services and technologies impact the
economic lives of women and children, or that decisions about
contraceptive use and fertility respond to improvements in economic
opportunities. We will conduct a field experiment to rigorously
establish these causal relationships in urban Zambia. We will assess
the impact of increases in access to family planning services on
reported fertility desires, contraceptive use, fertility and economic
outcomes. The baseline survey and intervention were implemented in
Lusaka, Zambia in 2007. A follow-up survey in 2008, for which we are
seeking funding, will facilitate the investigation of the broader
impact of contraceptive adoption on outcomes for women and children, a
more thorough analysis of decisionmaking within the household about
fertility and contraceptive adoption, and an investigation of the
importance of peer effects.
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