Tенденции в раждаемостта в България в периода 1990–2016
Fertility trends in Bulgaria in the period 1990-2016

Summary/Abstract: The paper focuses on the development of the dynamics of the main fertility indicators in Bulgaria in the period 1990-2016: number of live-born children, number of women in reproductive age, indicators for abortion, maternal and infant mortality, the dynamics of first, second and higher order births, age specific fertility rates and the period measures of fertility (crude birth rates and total fertility rates). The cumulative period and cohort fertility of women at age 40 was also analyzed. Results from adjustment of the total fertility rate using the method of J. Bongaarts and G. Finey are also discussed. The dynamics of extramarital births and the changes in the reproductive behaviors of women from different social groups (ethnic and educational) is also described in the paper. Based on the analysis we draw the conclusion that a new fertility transition has taken place in Bulgaria after 1990. The one-child family model establishes as a dominant model of reproduction among today’s young generations. An intensive process of postponement of first and second child changes the age pattern of fertility. Among the women from Roma ethnic group and those with low education the model of early parenthood and higher fertility still prevails compared to women with Bulgarian ethnic background and higher education. The process of postponement of the transition to first birth is most pronounced and the levels of childlessness are higher among women with secondary and college/ university degree.

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