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An examination of Vital Statistics for the Years 1935/41,
with special reference to the Mortality Rate
among illegitimate infants.
Press publicity has been given recently to tho illegitimate
birth rate generally, and particular reference has been made to
specific sections of the community.
The [inference to be drawn from the various statements which
have been made is that the illegitimate birth rate among civilian
women has increased in recent times, and because of this inference
the relevant statistics relating to this area have been carefully
examined to determine the position locally.
The statistics for the years 1935/41, so far is they affect
the Borough of Tottenham, are set out in tabular and graphic form
herewith. It will be seen on examination that in fact while the birth
rate is by no means constant the number of illegitimate children
born since 1938 has steadily reduced, and there is no close relation
between the general birth rate and the illegitimate birth rate.
Generally, it can bo stated quite definitely that any
suggestion that there has been an increase is without factual
foundation.
Examination of the figures, however, discloses that the
death rate of illegitimate children is alarmingly high as compared
with legitimate children. This,merits special examination.
For example, in 1937 the infant mortality rate of legitimate
children under. 1 year was 62.3 per 1,000, while that of illegitimate
children was 111.1 per 1,000. In 1938, the infant mortality rate
among legitimate children had fallen to 43.7 per 1,OO0, while the
illegitimate mortality rate had risen to 116.3 per 1,000.
There are, several inferences to be drawn from this disclosure,
but two questions are postulated as being worthy of special enquiry
in the immediate future.
(Cont.)