MPIDR Working Paper
Marital dissolution, repartnering, and the realization of fertility desires in Sub-Saharan Africa
MPIDR Working Paper WP-2025-031, 40 pages.
Rostock, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (October 2025)
Abstract
-Recent research has shown that women who experience union disruption in Sub-Saharan Africa tend to have lower fertility than those in stable unions. It remains unclear, however whether this pattern reflects lower fertility desires, constrained opportunities to achieve desired fertility, or both. Using Demographic Health Survey data from 34 countries, this study examines whether fertility differences between women in intact unions and those who experience marital dissolution are primarily driven by differences in fertility desires, unrealized fertility, or unwanted fertility. Results indicate that unrealized fertility is widespread and especially pronounced among women whose first unions ended, particularly those who did not remarry. Although remarriage offers some fertility recovery, it does not fully offset the reproductive disadvantage associated with union disruption. On the other hand, women in intact first unions have higher levels of unwanted fertility, which also contributes to the overall fertility gap. Differences in ideal number of children contribute little to fertility gaps, suggesting that constrained realization of fertility goals—rather than lower aspirations—drives these disparities. Furthermore, women who experience union dissolution are more likely to revise their fertility goals downward or express uncertainty about future childbearing. These findings underscore the need for reproductive health policies that address not only support for desired fertility limitation but also for the achievement of desired fertility, recognizing both as essential components of reproductive autonomy.
Keywords: Africa, divorce, fertility, fertility determinants, marital union, remarriage