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BIRTH DEFECTS IN

ABOUT 1 IN EVERY 33 BABIES IS BORN WITH A BIRTH DEFECT IN MINNESOTA.

Sources?

Birth defects are health conditions that are present at birth that change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. Common birth defects include heart defects, cleft lip and cleft palate, and spina bifida. Birth defects can affect a baby's overall health, how the body develops, and how the body works. Birth defects can greatly impact the lives of babies and their families.

EACH YEAR IN MINNESOTA

More than

66,000

babies are born.

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About

2,000

babies will be born with a birth defect.

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About

1 in 4

infant deaths is due to a birth defect.

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WE NEED INFORMATION TO BETTER UNDERSTAND BIRTH DEFECTS.

The Minnesota Birth Defects Information System is a tracking system that collects information on babies born with defects in Minnesota.

Tracking birth defects is crucial for understanding ways to prevent birth defects and supporting Minnesota children and families impacted by birth defects.

A strong birth defects tracking system is needed to:

IDENTIFY
CAUSES

We don't know what causes most birth defects.

HELP FAMILIES CONNECT
TO SERVICES

Children with birth defects and their families need services and care.

FIGHT NEW
THREATS

Threats like Zika and opioid exposure put Minnesota children at risk for birth defects.

EDUCATE AND SUPPORT
COMMUNITIES

Families and communities in Minnesota need information and resources to prevent birth defects.

"Only when we support birth defects tracking programs will we have data to understand why birth defects happen, how to treat them, and what families need to thrive."

JANE C.

LEARN MORE

Visit PeriStats to view additional Minnesota data.

To learn more about birth defects, visit marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org.

MINNESOTA'S PROGRAM

Minnesota Birth Defects Information System

Minnesota Department of Health

LEARN MORE