Non-marital pregnancies and ex-nuptial births in New Zealand
Trlin, A.D.; Ruzicka, L.T.
Journal of Biosocial Science 9(2): 163-174
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9320 PMID: 558190 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932000010956Document Number: 457065
An investigation of the incidence and pattern of non-marital pregnancies in New Zealand, and their outcome as nuptial or ex-nuptial births, revealed 4 major features. The post-war period was marked by a steady increase in the incidence of non-marital pregnancies, especially since the early 1960s (following the inclusion of Maori vital events). Pre-marital or bridal pregnancies increased during the 1950s but steadily declined at all ages between 16 and 23 years during the 1960s and early 1970s. Nuptial fertility rates for women aged 35 yr and over declined continuously since 1945, and since the early 1960s the decline commenced for women at younger ages as well. Ex-nuptial fertility rates increased throughout the post-war period and particularly since the early 1960s.