The role of traditional fertility regulation in Sri Lanka.

ABSTRACT

PIP: Among the countries of South Asia, Sri Lanka, with a birth rate of 26/1000, has achieved by far the lowest fertility level. The research reported here shows that at least 1/2 of all fertility control there is still practiced by means other than those offered by the national family planning program. The Sri Lankan Department of Census and Statistics, employing a micro-approach to demographic research, studied levels of traditional methods of family planning and attitudes toward the practice of both modern and traditional contraception. Knowledge of rhythm was diffused throughout society as the cost of raising children increased during a period when other methods of family planning were not easily accessible. Of those who practice it regularly, 2/3 report that it is a satisfactory method of fertility control, a much higher proportion than is the case with regard to any modern form of contraception. These traditional methods were employed efficiently and their high level of continued use arises from strong cultural resistance to the pill and IUD, based upon local interpretations of how these methods function. Most Sri Lankans believe that the pill has a heating effect. It is believed that the heat not only destroys the sperm but can dry or wither the womb and is likely to have a broader impact on a woman's health. Thus, any programmatic effort to reduce dependence on traditional family planning might well result in higher fertility levels. In addition, low fertility among Indian Tamil workers on the Tea Estates, as early as the 1950s, probably resulted from a desire (manifested by lower levels of sexual activity and some abortion) to avoid frequent pregnancies, since pregnancy interrupts work that the female Estate workers connort afford to miss.