Title: Population policies and fertility trends in Hungary.

POPLINE Document Number: 101267

Author(s):

Andorka R

Source citation:

In: Demographic and social effects of population policies in Europe, edited by Henry P. David and Daniel Pierotti. Copenhagen, Denmark, World Health Organization [WHO], Regional Office for Europe, 1993. :19-21.

Abstract:

In Hungary, baby boom fertility was short and low. Government prohibition of induced abortions in 1953 contributed to a rising total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.97 in 1954, but a decline by 1962 to 1.8. During this period the abortion law was liberalized. In 1966, fertility rose slightly after family allowances were increased; TFR in 1968 was 2.06, and TFR remained stable until 1972. In 1973, government restricted abortion for married women with children and child care allowances were increased again. TFR increased and in 1975 was 2.38. Thereafter, TFR declined to 2.0 in 1980, stabilizing at 1.8. During the 1980s family allowances increased and abortion law was liberalized and became socially acceptable. Inflation was high and fertility was no longer affected by erratic policy changes. Cohort fertility followed a smoother pattern: birth cohorts of 1926-30 were below replacement level. Birth cohorts of 1936-40 had lower fertility. After 1940 birth cohorts stabilized with completed cohort fertility of 1.9. The analysis of the impact of population policies, such as on induced abortion, indicated that completed cohort fertility in 1953-56 was unaffected. Abortion policy appeared to have only changed the timing of first and second parities, but social effects were felt in overcrowding of schools and child care centers. The 1973 abortion restrictions had less impact. Stabilization of cohort fertility occurred during the 1950s, when family allowances increased. Family benefits appeared to have affected only families with up to 3 children. Educational levels were increasing through this period and by the 1960s women desired more children, but average fertility did not change. To achieve fertility at replacement level, it was suggested that substantial family benefits will need to be provided. It was recognized that this may not be possible politically or economically.

Keywords:

Hungary
Population Policy
Fertility Rate
Family Policy
Abortion Law
Changes
Developing Countries
Europe, Central
Europe
Social Policy
Policy
Birth Rate
Fertility Measurements
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Social Change