The total wanted fertility rate serves as a critical measure that reflects the demographic aspirations of women regarding childbearing. It estimates the
number of children a woman would bear in her lifetime if all unintended pregnancies were prevented, thus representing a societal understanding of desired family size. This indicator is based on data collected during surveys, specifically reflecting the preferences and intentions of women over the three years leading up to the survey date. By highlighting the distinction between wanted and unwanted births, this metric provides valuable insights into reproductive health and planning, indicating the potential for shifting societal norms and policies aimed at family planning, maternal health, and gender equity. A higher value in this indicator suggests a strong alignment between real-life outcomes and the reproductive goals of women, thus informing resource allocation and program development in family planning initiatives.
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