The total wanted fertility rate serves as a crucial metric for understanding reproductive desires within a population by estimating the average number of children women would have if all unwanted pregnancies were effectively prevented. This statistic focuses on the preferred family size, reflecting cultural, economic, and
social influences on childbearing decisions. By analyzing data from the three years prior to the survey, researchers can gauge shifts in attitudes towards family planning, the impact of policies aimed at reducing unwanted births, and overall reproductive health trends. This rate not only highlights potential disparities in access to contraception and reproductive education but also informs policymakers about population growth expectations based on desirability, rather than actual birth rates.
Source: