Differences in fertility patterns between urban and rural women in Washington State, 1983-1984 to 1993-1994

We use data on Washington State abortions and births for 1983-1984 and 1993 -1994 to analyze trends for urban and rural women, using the demographic me asures total abortion and total fertility rates. These express pacing of ch ildbearing in a single number which is simple to calculate and interpret, a nd is age-standardized. We find significant urban-rural differences. Total abortion rates decline and total fertility rates increase in both areas. Ho wever, the relative magnitudes of pacing decreases in abortions for rural w omen and increases in births for urban women are striking. The demographic measures are useful interpretive tools, and can be applied to a broad range of questions.