London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Acton 1913
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Acton]
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13
One unsatisfactory feature in connection with the birth-rate
has been the increase in the proportion of illegitimate births. Prior
to 1912 the outside births were not transferred. The illegitimate
birth-rate, of course, is considerably affected by this arrangement;
but, apart from this, the illegitimate birth-rate is higher than it
has been for some years. Of the 36 births that occurred
outside the district in 1913, 19 were born out of wedlock.
Altogether the infants registered as having been born out of
wedlock numbered 76, which number corresponds to a rate of 50
per 1,000 births.
The illegitimate birth* and the rate per 1,000 births since 1907 are as follows:—
| Number | Rate. | |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | 76 | 50 |
| 1912 | 71 | 47 |
| 1911 | 43 | 29 |
| 1910 | 36 | 24 |
| 1909 | 29 | 19.2 |
| 1908 | 42 | 26.8 |
| 37 | 24 |
Excluding the outside births which were transferred in 1912 and 1913, the illegitimate birth-rate has been as follows:—
| Number. | Rate per 1,000 births. | |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | 56 | 37.9 |
| 1912 | 53 | 36 |
| 1911 | 43 | 29 |
| 1910 | 36 | 24 |
| 1909 | 29 | 19.2 |
| 1908 | 42 | 26.8 |
| 1907 | 37 | 24 |
It will be seen that since 1909, a steady and marked increase
has occurred in the illegitimate birth-rate.