The U.S. has a preterm birth grade of D+
March of Dimes Report Card
Stay tuned for the release our annual March of Dimes Report Card on November 14, highlighting the latest national and state level data to provide insight into mom and baby health, including our recommended policy actions that can create positive change. Learn your
state’s grade by visiting marchofdimes.org/reportcard.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month—our global spotlight on the current state of maternal and infant health in the US and around the world. We know it’s possible for women to have healthy pregnancies, but the US remains among the most dangerous high-income nations to give birth. Together, let’s end preventable preterm birth and help all families have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.
Each year in the US,
1 in 10 babies is born preterm
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We release our annual March of Dimes Report Card on November 16, highlighting the latest national and state level data to provide insight into mom and baby health, including the collective factors that contribute to maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
Since 2008, March of Dimes has released our Report Card to educate and advocate for better mom and baby outcomes across the U.S., Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
While it originally focused on only the preterm birth rate, it has evolved to include more indicators to better reflect the state of maternal and infant health in the U.S.
One thing that has remained constant: an alarmingly high preterm birth rate.
We all have a role to play in solving the prematurity crisis in the US
Raise awareness by participating in one our many activities and fundraising efforts to reach our goal to end preventable preterm birth.
Light it purple, including your office or home. Wear purple to show your support. Be sure to share your baby photo on social using #WorldPrematurityDay and @marchofdimes.
Take action
Advocate by joining our action network and calling on legislators to pass The PREEMIE Act of 2023, the Federal government’s commitment to preventing preterm birth and its long-term consequences.
Make an impact
Donate today to help fund lifesaving research and community programs that keep families healthy and strong at marchofdimes.org/donate-now.
Join us
Partner with March of Dimes to bring greater awareness and resources to fight the maternal and infant health crisis in the US at marchofdimes.org/partner.
Stories that inspire us.
“With all my time in the military, nothing could’ve prepared me for my time with Lois in the NICU.”
Just 23 weeks into her pregnancy, doctors discovered that Emma Lee Greenley's cervix was open and infected. Despite her best efforts to stay pregnant for as long as possible, she went into labor, delivering Lois via emergency Cesarean birth. Emma Lee, a military veteran, found her NICU experience with Lois even more challenging than her time in service—underscoring the urgent need for more research to determine the causes and preventions of preterm birth.
Ismael’s Story
When Ismael Torres-Castrodad’s mom was pregnant with him in Puerto Rico, she knew something wasn’t right and was forced to advocate for herself and her baby. The experience had such a profound effect that it shaped Ismael’s life, from him serving as March of Dimes Ambassador to meeting President Obama to studying political science today so he can make real change.
Lauren's Story
More than 20 years ago, Lauren LaRosa was born preterm at 26 weeks and spent 89 days in the NICU. Now her life has come full circle and she’s pursuing a career as a NICU nurse to help families like hers—with mentorship from the same NICU Family Support® Program Coordinator who supported her when she was a baby.
Allison and
Mitch’s Story
After their first round of IVF, Ashley and Mitch Taylor got pregnant. But their excitement soon turned to fear when, at 18 weeks, Ashley’s water broke. Julia was born at 26 weeks, and she fought for her life for six months in the NICU, where her family received so much support from our NICU Family Support® program.
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Add your voice
Make a big impact for all families during Prematurity Awareness Month.
Donate now
See your state's rankings in the 2023 March of Dimes Report Card
This November, together we can take action, raise awareness, and improve the outcome for
moms and babies.
Every November for more than 20 years, we’ve raised awareness of preterm birth and the thousands of families who are affected.
Hear stories from real people we have helped.
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What no mom-to-be should ever think: “My first thought was ‘My baby isn’t going to live.’"
Imagine waking up from a nap to a nightmare: unexpected bleeding during pregnancy. For Ashley O'Neil, this marked the beginning of a harrowing journey through loss, preterm birth, and unexpected single motherhood. Her story highlights the challenges faced by many moms-to-be in the US and the importance of advocacy and support in maternal and infant healthcare.
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“With all my time in the military, nothing could’ve prepared me for my time with Lois in the NICU.”
Just 23 weeks into her pregnancy, doctors discovered that Emma Lee Greenley's cervix was open and infected. Despite her best efforts to stay pregnant for as long as possible, she went into labor, delivering Lois via emergency Cesarean birth. Emma Lee, a military veteran, found her NICU experience with Lois even more challenging than her time in service—underscoring the urgent need for more research to determine the causes and preventions of preterm birth.
The O'Neil family
The Greenley family
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