Presents and analyzes a wide variety of statistical information relating to the childbearing experience and prospects of American women. The main emphasis is on the most recent data available; however, the discussion of current levels and trends in fertility are illuminated, where possible, with similar measures from varying periods in the past.

Data for the report have been assembled both from government publications and from nongovernmental sources. Topics discussed include an historical overview of fertility, varying patterns in age at first marriage and childbearing, life cycle measures across time, lifetime birth expectations, childbearing outside marriage, and attitudes toward and use of contraception and abortion.

Detailed tables provide statistics on the following: Births to date and lifetime births expected; projected fertility and actual lifetime fertility; birth spacing intervals; illegitimate childbearing; married women currently practicing contraception and type of contraceptive practice; men and women who disapprove of abortion; abortions (legal, ratios, performed on out-of-State residents, and performed on unmarried women); and unwanted fertility among mothers. These data are cross-classified by one or more of the following: Race, age, years of school completed, income, labor force status, and urban-rural residence.