Possible reasons for retardation in fertility change in South Asia.

Despite the existence of official anti-natalist policies, South Asia has seen very little progress in curbing fertility. South Asia, which contains 1/5 for the world's population, is marked by low per capita income, unequal wealth distribution, and low levels of industrialization. Following declines in the mortality rate during the 1940s, these countries came to acknowledge the dangers of rapid population growth. Pakistan leads the region with a 3.0% annual growth rate, with Sri Lanka registering the lowest at 1.8% begun during the 1960s, population programs have, with a few notable exceptions, failed in their efforts, the result of bad implementation and the population's resistance to family planning. Administered from the top down, population programs have often ignored careful planning and opted for expediency, have often ignored careful planning and opted for expediency, and the consequences have been costly. Publicity over the side-effects of contraceptive methods and instances of forced sterilizations have hardened resistance to contraceptive use. Population programs have also failed to involve the grassroots level, something crucial to the success of any program. And in a region of primarily rural population, most of the services have been concentrated in urban centers. While the programs have succeeded in increasing awareness as to the population issue and contraception, economic and religious factors have hindered progress on fertility control. Furthermore, with the exception of Sri Lanka, South Asian countries have failed to integrate population programs into other development projects. Indeed, Sri Lanka might offer a model for the rest of the region. Although relatively poor, it has the best record on educational levels -- including women's education. And this has contributed to its success in family planning.