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US Stillbirth Rate Drops: A Glimmer of Hope
5 Dec
Summary
- US stillbirth rate decreased by 2% in 2024.
- Mississippi has the highest stillbirth rate at 7.8 per 1,000.
- NIH launched a $37 million research initiative to prevent stillbirths.
A slight but significant decline in the U.S. stillbirth rate was observed in 2024, marking a positive shift after several years of uncertainty. The national rate dropped by 2%, resulting in approximately 5.4 stillbirths per 1,000 pregnancies lasting 20 weeks or longer. This marks the lowest rate in decades, though progress has been uneven, with rates rising during the pandemic.
Significant improvements were noted in Colorado, Utah, and Mississippi, with decreases of 14%, 16%, and 21% respectively. However, Mississippi continues to face the highest stillbirth rate nationwide at 7.8 per 1,000. Health experts emphasize that while encouraging, these numbers remain too high, noting parallels between risk factors for stillbirth and infant mortality.
Recognizing the severity of the issue, the National Institutes of Health has launched a $37 million research initiative focused on stillbirth prevention. While an estimated 40% of stillbirths may be preventable, many cases continue to be unexplained, highlighting the need for continued research and intervention.
