RESUMO
PIP: Specialized surveys, vital statistics, and census data have made evident the decline of Mexican fertility beginning in the late 1970s and the transformation of the reproductive patterns of Mexican women. Fertility levels were analyzed for each Mexican state for the years between 1980 and 1990 using vital statistics and census data. Estimated total fertility rates for each state and federal entity for 1990 were indirectly generated with information on live born children from the 1980 and 1990 censuses. The problems inherent in this type of data, including significant rates of nonresponse, are well known and may result in underestimation. Estimated total fertility rates for 1990 ranged from 2.0 in the Federal District and 2.1 in Tamaulipas to 4.5 in Oaxaca and 4.7 in Chiapas. In general, the lowest fertility was in the northern states. The fertility estimates, which were obtained using the model developed by Arriaga, are probably close to the true level. A comparison of estimates from the census with estimates from the vital statistics adjusted to eliminate the effects of late registration shows that both estimates maintain the same profile. It is possible to assume that the states with higher levels of fertility have lower prevalence of contraception, lower levels of female education, and large population sectors in a condition of marginalization. It is evident that not all population sectors have been integrated into the new reproductive patterns, which should prompt a redefinition of population policies to focus on reduction of the social imbalances that are reflected in fertility differences.^ieng