How Does the Perceived Risk of Infant/Child Mortality Influence Fertility Preference? a Comparative Study in Bangladesh

This study addresses how the perceived risk of infant/child mortality influences fertility preference in Bangladesh. We surveyed 759 ever-married women and did in-depth interview from 25 married women. We included two study areas, one is vulnerable to extreme weather events and the other one is not. Findings reveal that those who consider a high risk of infant/child mortality and had previous experiences with infant/child mortality are more likely to prefer additional children in the areas prone to extreme events. Higher male child mortality is found in extreme weather events area. Qualitative information reveals that people from the areas think to having a child as replacement and consider as security against the future loss. However both fertility and mortality has remarkably declined in Bangladesh but this study shows a positive link between the perceived risk of infant/child mortality and fertility preference and further studies to explore more insights on it.