This study was aimed at analyzing changes in the social-demographic characteristics, fertility rates, pregnancy and childbirth behavior, family values of ever-married women of childbearing age (15~49) using the time series on a database of national fertility and family health survey (1974~2012). We examined the development of population policy over the last fifty years in Korea through literature review. Also, we analyzed how the changes in childbirth behavior of married women changed with population policy the process of fertility transition which played a key role in demographic change, and tried to provide basic data necessary for establishing policy direction for the future.
The findings from this study have policy implications as follows. First, it is necessary to strengthen publicity and education for positive changes in values of family and children. Second, there is a need for policy support to reduce the prevalence of pregnancy loss. Third, efforts are needed to narrow the gap between family values perceived by households and family values perceived by the government. Fourth, it is necessary to provide an effective incentive to resolve the issue of late marriage. Fifth, a comprehensive family policy should be developed focusing on specific target groups. Lastly, population policy must be pursued consistently and continuously.
The authors are in hopes that further research attempts would be built on this research to provide solutions to the problem of low fertility.