Data and Statistics
CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health (DRH) monitors maternal and infant mortality, the most serious reproductive health complications. In addition, attention is focused on gathering data to better understand the extent of maternal and infant morbidity, adverse behaviors during pregnancy, and long-term consequences of pregnancy.
Public health surveillance is the ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of outcome-specific data for use in public health practice. The public health approach to problem solving includes using surveillance data to identify problems and assess the effectiveness of interventions. Without accurate and timely data, public health programs suffer. This glossary is available of commonly used terms in public health surveillance and epidemiology.
The major surveillance systems in the division include the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), the National ART Surveillance System (NASS), and the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System (PMSS). CDC also collaborated with organizations to develop the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) Case Registry, which seeks to improve population-based SUID surveillance in grantee states. Reports are generated from these systems on a routine ongoing basis. DRH also monitors teen pregnancy and the number and characteristics of women obtaining legal induced abortions in the United States. Point-in-time surveys are conducted to assess reproductive health in developing countries. DRH researchers sometimes analyze secondary data on such topics as ectopic pregnancy and hysterectomy.
Data and Statistics Reference Links
- Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System: CDC’s Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System uses data from all U.S. states to describe levels and causes of pregnancy-related deaths at the national level.
- Sudden Unexpected Infant Death: CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health presents National Center for Health Statistics data related to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Data presented include breakdown of SUID by cause, trends in SUID rates by cause, SUID by race/ethnicity, and data resources for SUID and sudden infant death syndrome.
- Data.gov
Data.gov increases the ability of the public to easily find, download, and use datasets that are generated and held by the Federal Government. Data.gov provides descriptions of the federal datasets (metadata), information about how to access the datasets, and tools that leverage government datasets. - CDC WONDER
Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research—an easy-to-use, menu-driven system that makes the information resources of the CDC available to public health professionals and the public at large. - Welcome to WISQARS™ (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System)
This is an interactive database system that provides customized reports of injury-related data. - BRFSS
By the early 1980s, scientific research clearly showed that personal health behaviors played a major role in premature morbidity and mortality. Although national estimates of health risk behaviors among U.S. adult populations. - YRBSS
The YRBSS was developed in 1990 to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute markedly to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults - Peristats
PeriStats was developed by the March of Dimes Perinatal Data Center, PeriStats provides free access to federal, state, city, and county maternal and infant health data. - Health, United States
- HIV/AIDS Statistics
- National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
- National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG)
- National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
- National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS)
- STD Prevention, Surveillance and Statistics
- AIDS/HIV
- Birth Data
- Birth Defects/Congenital Anomalies
- Births—Method of Delivery
- Births/Natality
- Birthweight and Gestation
- Contraceptive Use
- Immunization
- Infant Health
- Infertility
- Men’s Health
- Multiple Births
- Obstetrical Procedures
- Reproductive Health
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases/STD
- Teen Births
- Unmarried Childbearing
- Women’s Health
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- Reproductive health surveys collect data on maternal and infant health in developing countries.
Abortion
In 2019, 629,898 legal induced abortions were reported to CDC from 49 reporting areas. Among 48 reporting areas with data each year during 2010–2019, in 2019, a total of 625,346 abortions were reported, the abortion rate was 11.4 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years, and the abortion ratio was 195 abortions per 1,000 live births.
From 2010 to 2019, the number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions decreased 18%, 21%, and 13%, respectively. However, compared with 2018, in 2019, the total number increased 2%, the rate of reported abortions increased by 0.9%, and the abortion ratio increased by 3%.
Similar to previous years, in 2019, women in their twenties accounted for the majority of abortions (56.9%). The majority of abortions in 2019 took place early in gestation: 92.7% of abortions were performed at ≤13 weeks’ gestation; a smaller number of abortions (6.2%) were performed at 14–20 weeks’ gestation, and even fewer (<1.0%) were performed at ≥21 weeks’ gestation. Early medical abortion is defined as the administration of medications(s) to induce an abortion at ≤9 completed weeks’ gestation, consistent with the current Food and Drug Administration labeling for mifepristone (implemented in 2016). In 2019, 42.3% of all abortions were early medical abortions. Use of early medical abortion increased 10% from 2018 to 2019 and 123% from 2010 to 2019. MMWR Surveill Summ 2021;70(No. SS-9):1–29.
Previous MMWR Abortion Surveillance Reports
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994–1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1988 | 1987–1986 | 1985–1984 | 1981 | 1980–1979
Fertility clinics in the U.S. report and verify data on the assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles started and carried out in their clinics, and the outcomes of these cycles, during each calendar year. ART includes all fertility treatments in which either eggs or embryos are handled. The main type of ART is in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF involves extracting a woman’s eggs, fertilizing the eggs in the laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the woman’s uterus through the cervix. These ART data are a rich source of information that can give potential ART users an idea of their average chances of success per ART cycle or ART transfer.
View the most recent ART success rates. Locate fertility clinics near you, learn about the services they provide, the types of patients they see, and their success rates.
The ART data are also available on www.healthdata.gov. This provides instant view and download of datasets generated by the Executive Branch of the federal government. Healthdata.gov provides descriptions of the federal datasets (metadata), information about how to access the datasets, and tools that leverage government datasets.
Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance Summaries
2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013| 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2006| 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
NCHS FastStats
- Birth Data
- Birth Defects/ Congenital Anomalies
- Births—Method of Delivery
- Birthweight and Gestation
- Multiple Births
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in 28 States, 1999—2013 Source: MMWR. 2016;65(31);799–802.
These findings underscore the importance of state-based public health programs to prevent unnecessary opioid use and to treat substance use disorders during pregnancy.
Births: Final Data for 2015 [PDF – 1.8MB]
Comprehensive report on births and maternal health based on 100% of birth certificates reported in all 50 states, DC and U.S. territories. Source: National Vital Statistics Reports. 2017;66:1.
Effects of Maternal Age and Age-Specific Preterm Birth Rates on Overall Preterm Birth Rates — United States, 2007 and 2014. Source: MMWR.2016;65:1181–1184.
Linked Birth and Infant Death Data
CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health presents NCHS data related to sudden unexpected infant death.
Preterm Births—United States, 2006 and 2010. Source: MMWR. 2013;62(03):136–138.
Infant Deaths—United States, 2005–2008. Source: MMWR. 2013;62(03):171–175.
National Vital Statistics System- New Data Releases
QuickStats: Infant Mortality Rates, by Race and Hispanic Ethnicity of Mother—United States, 2000, 2005, and 2009. Source: MMWR. 2013;62(05):90.
QuickStats: Percentage of Births That Were Home Births, by Maternal Race/Ethnicity —United States, 1990–2009. Source: MMWR. 2012;61(03):58.
Behind International Rankings of Infant Mortality: How the United States Compares with Europe. Source: NCHS Data Brief. 2009;23.
Infant Deaths— United States, 2000–2007. Source: MMWR. 2011;60(01);49–51.
QuickStats: Infant Mortality Rates, by Mother’s Place of Birth and Race/Ethnicity—United States, 2007. Source: MMWR. 2011;60(26):891.
Preterm Births—United States, 2007. Source: MMWR. 2011;60(01):78–79.
Born a Bit Too Early: Recent Trends in Late Preterm Births
According to this report from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the percentage of babies born preterm in the U.S. has increased by more than 20% between 1990 and 2006. Most of this increase was among babies born toward the end of the preterm period, at 34 to 36 full weeks of pregnancy, or during the period known as “late preterm.” Source: NCHS Data Brief. 2009;24.
NCHS FastStats
Chartbook on Women’s Health Care
The Women’s Health and Mortality Chartbook is a statistical resource on women’s health in each of the states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The chartbook was developed to provide readers with an easy-to-use collection of current jurisdiction data on critical issues of relevance to women. A total of 28 different health indicators are featured, which highlight some of the key issues related to women’s health that are being measured regularly at the state level.
NCHS FastStats
- Birth Data
- Birth Defects/ Congenital Anomalies
- Births—Method of Delivery
- Birthweight and Gestation
- Immunization
- Infant Health
- Multiple Births
- Obstetrical Procedures
- Reproductive Health
- Unmarried Childbearing
Saving Mothers, Giving Life Initiative
Five reports provide CDC’s evaluation results of the pilot year of the Saving Mothers, Giving Life initiative, showing that the project was able to significantly decrease the number of maternal deaths in project districts in Uganda and Zambia.
Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System
CDC’s Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System uses data from all U.S. states to describe levels and causes of pregnancy-related deaths at the national level.
Changes in primary and repeat cesarean delivery: United States 2016-2021 [PDF – 650 KB]
This report shows that the rate of first-time cesarean deliveries increased by 4% from 2019 to 2021. The 2021 rate, 22.4%, was the highest ever reported for first-time cesareans. The increase follows general declines from 2009 to 2019. Most women who have had a previous cesarean will have cesarean deliveries for subsequent births, but the repeat cesarean delivery rate decreased slightly each year from 2016 to 2021.
Birth Rates for Females Aged 15–19 Years, by Race/Ethnicity — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 1991–2013
Source: MMWR 2014;63:609
QuickStats: Rates of Pregnancies and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Teens Aged 15–19 Years, by Race/Ethnicity — United States, 2009.
Source: MMWR. 2013;62(48):989–989.
QuickStats: Birth Rates for Females Aged 15–19 Years, by Race/Ethnicity—National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2007 and 2011
Source: MMWR. 2012;61(42):865.
Birth Rates for U.S. Teenagers Reach Historic Lows for All Age and Ethnic Groups
Source:NCHS Data Brief. 2012;89.
QuickStats: Birth Rates for Teens Aged 15–19 Years, by Age Group—National Vital Statistics System, United States, 1960–2010.
Source: MMWR. 2012;61(18):330.
Prepregnancy Contraceptive Use Among Teens with Unintended Pregnancies Resulting in Live Births—Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), 2004–2008.
Source: MMWR. 2012;61(02):25–29.
QuickStats: Percentage of Teens Aged 15–19 Years Who Had Opposite-Sex Sexual Partners in the Past 12 Months, by Number of Partners—United States, 2006–2010.
Source: MMWR. 2011;60(42):1460.
Vital Signs: Teen Pregnancy—United States, 1991–2009
Source: MMWR. 2011;60:1–8.
QuickStats: Birth Rates for Teens Aged 15–19 Years, by State—United States, 2009.
Source: MMWR. 2011;60(06):183.
State Disparities in Teenage Birth Rates in the United States
Source: State Disparities in Teenage Birth Rates in the United States. NCHS data brief. 2010(46).
QuickStats: Never-Married Females and Males Aged 15–19 Years Who Have Ever Had Sexual Intercourse—National Survey of Family Growth, United States, 1988–2008
Source: MMWR. 2010;59(26):19.
National Vital Statistics System: Birth Data
Source: National Vital Statistics Reports.
Sexual and Reproductive Health of Persons Aged 10–24 Years—United States, 2002–2007 [PDF – 1.44MB]
Source: MMWR. 2009;58(SS-6).
QuickStats: Birth Rates for Teens Aged 15–19 Years, by Age Group—United States, 1985–2007
Source: MMWR. 2009; 58(12):313.
Teenagers in the United States: Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use, and Childbearing, 2002. [PDF – 710 KB]
Source: Vital and Health Statistics. Series No. 23, Volume 24.
Estimated Pregnancy Rates for the United States, 1990–2005: An Update (10/2009) [PDF – 1 MB]
Source: National Vital Statistics Report. 2009;58(4).
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States 2007
Source: MMWR. 2008;57(SS-4):1–131.
Contraceptive use and Pregnancy Risk among US High School Students, 1991–2003
Source: Guttmacher Institute Perspectives of Sexual and Reproductive Health. 2006;8(2):106–111.
Trends in HIV- and STD-Related Risk Behaviors Among High School Students United States, 1991–2007
Source: MMWR. 57(30).
NCHS FastStats
Trends in Smoking Before, During, and After Pregnancy —Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), United States, 31 Sites, 2000–2005
For 16 sites for which data were available for the entire 6-year study period, the prevalence of smoking before pregnancy remained unchanged, with approximately one of five women (from 22.3% in 2000 to 21.5% in 2005) reporting smoking before pregnancy. The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy declined from 15.2% in 2000 to 13.8% in 2005, and the prevalence of smoking after delivery declined from 18.1% in 2000 to 16.4% in 2005.
Source: MMWR. 2009;58(SS04):1–29.
Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Years of Potential Life Lost, and Productivity Losses —United States, 2000–2004.
During 2000–2004, smoking resulted in an estimated annual average of 269,655 deaths among males and 173,940 deaths among females in the United States. Smoking during pregnancy resulted in an estimated 776 infant deaths annually during 2000—2004.
Source: MMWR. 2008;57(45):1226–1228.
Smoking Prevalence Among Women of Reproductive Age—United States, 2006.
CDC analyzed state-specific prevalence of smoking and attempts to quit among women of reproductive age, using 2006 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Median state prevalence of current smoking was 22.4% (range: 5.8% [U.S. Virgin Islands]—34.7% [Kentucky]).
Source: MMWR. 2008;57(31):849–852.
NCHS FastStats
Current contraceptive use in the United States, 2006–2010, and changes in patterns of use since 1995 [PDF- 443KB], Source: National Center for Health Statistics. 2012;60.
QuickStats: Use of Selected Contraception Methods Among Women Aged 15–44 Years Currently Using Contraception—National Survey of Family Growth, United States, 1995 and 2006–2010, Source: MMWR. 2012;61(50:1031.
Intended and Unintended Births in the United States: 1982–2010 [PDF – 416KB], Source: National Health Statistics Reports. 2012;55.
National Vital Statistics System: Birth Data, Source: National Vital Statistics Reports.
Unintended Pregnancy in the United States: Incidence and Disparities, 2006. [PDF – 507KB], Source: Contraception. 2011;84(5):478–485.
QuickStats: Use of Selected Contraceptive Methods by Married Women of Childbearing Age in the United States, 2006—2008, Compared with Married Women in Selected Countries with Low Fertility Rates, 2000–2008.Source: MMWR. 2010;59(28):879.
QuickStats: Primary Contraceptive Method Used Among Women Aged 15–44 Years—National Survey of Family Growth, United States, 2006–2008, Source: MMWR. 2010;59(25):781.
Use of Contraception in the United States: 1982–2008. [PDF – 1.5 MB]
Source: Vital Health Stat. 2010;23(29).