This indicator captures the percentage of births that align with the parents' original intentions during the five years prior to a survey. It distinguishes between those that were planned, mistimed, or unplanned, offering a nuanced view of reproductive intentions within a population. Understanding the proportion of births that were wanted at the time of conception provides valuable insights into family planning effectiveness, societal norms regarding childbearing, and access to reproductive health services. A high percentage of planned births may indicate a successful alignment of family aspirations with actual reproductive outcomes, while a significant number of mistimed or unplanned births can reveal potential gaps in education, resources, and support systems for families, highlighting areas for policy intervention and outreach.
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