Stillbirth Crisis Persists in the U.S., New Data Reveals
A new study published in the medical journal JAMA has revealed that the incidence of stillbirths in the United States remains unacceptably high and stagnant, affecting roughly 1 in 150 pregnancies, a rate significantly higher than previously reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Massachusetts General Hospital examined more than 2.7 million pregnancies between 2016 and 2022, identifying 18,893 stillbirths, defined as fetal death at 20 weeks of gestation or later.
The findings show that the national rate of 6.8 per 1,000 pregnancies surpasses CDC estimates of 5.7 per 1,000, based on fetal death certificates.
Key Findings
- 72% of stillbirths occurred in pregnancies with at least one maternal or fetal risk factor, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or fetal growth restriction, conditions often preventable or manageable with better medical oversight.
- 27.7% of stillbirths, however, occurred without any identifiable clinical risk factors, raising concerns about missed warning signs and gaps in prenatal care.
- The study highlighted that nearly half of term stillbirths (38–40 weeks) could potentially be avoided with improved prediction models and intervention strategies.
- Socioeconomic disparities play a major role: stillbirth rates rise to 1 in 112 in low-income areas and 1 in 95 in regions with higher proportions of Black families. CDC data indicate that Black women experience stillbirths at double the rate of White women, 10.3 vs. 4.9 per 1,000.
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The U.S. ranks 25th among 49 high-income countries in stillbirth rates, lagging behind many European nations where rates have declined significantly over the last decade.
Urgent Need for Reform
Experts call for enhanced prenatal care, risk monitoring, and policy reforms to close health gaps and improve maternal-fetal outcomes. Cohen urged that “many stillbirths are potentially preventable” with adequate attention, research, and medical resources.
The Human Impact
Stillbirths affect nearly 21,000 American families every year, leaving lasting emotional and psychological trauma. Despite medical advances, the stagnant rate reflects a deep-rooted crisis in maternal and perinatal care, particularly among vulnerable populations.
