Peace Without Poison

Statistical data on the historical progression of the total fertility rate of the Cook Islands is scant.From the meager data that does exist we can conclude that the total fertility rate in 1950 was 6children per woman, by 1970 it had declined to 3.8, and today it is 2.3.The statistical history of the Cook Islands indicates that population control was practiced from c.1970 to c. 1980, which coincides with the presidency of Albert Henry (1965-1978), halted fromc. 1980 to c. 1990, which coincides with the presidencies of Tom Davis (1978-1987) and PupukeRobati (1987-1989), and practiced again from c. 1990 until today, which coincides with thepresidencies of Geoffrey Henry (1989-1999), Terepai Maote (1999-2002), Robert Woonton(2002-2004), Jim Marurai (2004-2010) and the incumbent Henry Puna (2010-today).The 43% contraceptive prevalence rate of the Cook Islands can certainly not explain thecountry’s low fertility. Nor can abortions, which are rare and allowed only to save the life or thehealth of a woman.The Cook Islands are in stage three of the demographic transition but due to heavy emigrationthe country appears to be in stage five.184 | P a g e