Reproductive history and mortality later in life: a comparative study of England & Wales and Austria

Does a woman’s reproductive history influence her life span? This study explores the question on the basis of data from two contemporary female populations: England & Wales and Austria. It is the first comparative study that investigates the relationship between fertility and mortality late in life. We find similar patterns and age-specific trends of excess mortality in both populations: parity significantly influences longevity, as do both an early and a late birth. These differences in longevity are not explained by differences in educational or family status. The impact of a woman’s reproductive history on her life span is minor, however, compared to the influence of her level of education or family status. (AUTHOR)