March of Dimes: Preterm Birth Rates Improve in Most States

Following three decades of increases, in 2008 the nation saw the first two-year decline in the preterm birth rate on the 2010 March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card. Overall, the United States received a “D” on the report card.

Eight states earned a better grade on the 2010 March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card and 32 others and the District of Columbia saw their preterm birth rates improve. Following decades of increases, the nation realized the first two- year decline in the preterm birth rate. Unfortunately, the United States still received a “D” on the report card as it did last year because the improvement wasn’t big enough to change the grade.

To hear US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin on this issue click here. For more information, go to http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurityawareness.html