The US is Failing to Meet Its National Health Goals on Preterm Births
About the Data Insights
This infographic depicts preterm birth rate by state, noting that 32 states have a preterm birth rate above the Healthy People 2020 goal of 9.4%. Per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national average preterm birth rate is 10.02%. State-by-state report cards from the March of Dimes provide additional information on performance by state. March of Dimes also noted that the rate of preterm birth among black women is 49% higher than the rate among all other women. Preterm birth is the primary driver of infant mortality in the U.S. and can also cause lifelong health problems.
Hover over the chart to view preterm birth rates for each state.
Healthy People 2020 Goals for Maternal, Infant and Child Health, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services