[The preoccupation with goals]. / La preocupacion por las metas

PIP: Contraception has become the principle factor in Mexico's fertility drop during the past 15 years. Between 1976-82, 47.7% of married women in the population used contraception. The national policy established a growth rate of 1.9% for 1988 implying a global fertility rate of 3.1, with a 58% utilization rate; results of the 1987 Demographic and Health Survey demonstrated that Mexico achieved a fertility rate of 3.8 and a 52.7% utilization rate. In Mexico fertility is perceived as the key variable that can change the demographic profile of the country with family planning as the means of changing people's value systems and controlling the growth of the population. In Mexico, regional characteristics determine the number of children couples decide to have. There are 4 groups of behavior: 1) the Northeast (63%) and Northwest (70%) which have accurate statistical data, share borders with the US and are economically developed; 2) the North Zone of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and the 3 regions on the coast (Gulf 54%; South Center 51%; and Center 55%); 3) the North Center (46%); and 4) the Southeastern region (32%) with the lowest prevalence rates in the country. There is a need to modify the demographic rationale of determining targets towards a more social/historical perspective that acknowledges regional differences in a country and allows new interest in understanding the reproductive behavior of women and couples.^ieng