Fertility has first begun to decline in developed countries and now it is
also declining in developing countries (Schultz, 1980). Fertility has been studied
since the 19th century in order to find patterns of reproduction, because declining
rates in fertility have positively affected development, such as human capital and
child’s health, especially in developing countries. In the case of Lao PDR, although
the fertility rate in Lao PDR has declined to the same degree as other developing
countries, its rank (2nd in ASEAN and 63rd in the world) is still considered among the
groups of higher rates (UN, 2010). Notwithstanding its importance, research studies
on fertility for Lao PDR are still sparse. However, knowledge on fertility and its
determinants is indispensable for enhancing maternal and child health. In particular,
the impact of mother’s education on fertility could be one channel to improving
overall health in Lao PDR.
This paper analyzes the determinants of fertility focusing mainly focus on an
impact of mother educational levels on fertility of Lao women aged between 15 to
49 years old. The investigation is mainly based on the data from Lao Reproductive
Health Survey 2005. Women, who have some primary education, completed primary
level, lower secondary, and higher education, are likely to have fewer children by
0.23, 0.41, 0.49 and 0.53 respectively as educational level rises.