Data and Statistics

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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

  • PRAMStat System
    PRAMStat is an online data platform developed to provide public access to over 250 maternal and child health indicators from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).
  • 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.govexternal icon
    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
  • Peristatsexternal icon
    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

Abortion

In 2016, 623,471 legal induced abortions were reported to CDC from 48 reporting areas. The abortion rate for 2016 was 11.6 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years, and the abortion ratio was 186 abortions per 1,000 live births.

Compared with 2015, the total number and rate of reported abortions fell by 2%, and the abortion ratio decreased by 1%. Additionally, from 2007 to 2016, the number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions decreased 24%, 26%, and 18%, respectively. In 2016, all three measures reached their lowest level for the entire period of analysis (2007-2016).

Women in their twenties accounted for the majority of abortions in 2016 and throughout the period of analysis. The majority of abortions in 2016 took place early in gestation: 91.0% of abortions were performed at ≤13 weeks’ gestation; a smaller number of abortions (7.7%) were performed at 14–20 weeks’ gestation, and even fewer (1.2%) were performed at ≥21 weeks’ gestation. In 2016, 27.9% of all abortions were early medical abortions (a nonsurgical abortion at ≤8 weeks’ gestation). The percentage of abortions reported as early medical abortions increased 113% from 2007 to 2016, with a 14% increase from 2015 to 2016. Source: MMWR Surveill Summ 2019;68(No. SS-11).

Previous MMWR Abortion Surveillance Reports

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.govexternal icon. 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
2015 | 2014 | 2013| 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2006| 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

NCHS FastStats

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 icon[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 external icon
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

Data on Selected Pregnancy Complications in the United States
Pregnancy complications may be caused by conditions women have before pregnancy or conditions women develop during pregnancy. Understanding rates and trends in the data can be used to identify opportunities to prevent and manage pregnancy complications and improve care for pregnant women.
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.
Core State Preconception Health Indicators—Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2009.
Source: MMWR 2014;63(ss03):1-62.
Pregnancy Rates for U.S. Women Continue to Drop 
Source: NCHS data brief, no 136. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2013.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Among Females Aged 10–19 Years— United States, 2007–2010
Source: MMWR 2013;62(03):71–76.
QuickStats: Birth Rates Among Women Aged 15–44 Years, by Maternal Age Group—National Vital Statistics System, United States, 1961, 2007, and 2011.
Source: MMWR 2012;61(47):978.
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.
Estimated Pregnancy Rates and Rates of Pregnancy Outcomes for the United States, 1990–2008 pdf icon[PDF – 463KB]
This report from the National Center for Health Statistics presents revised pregnancy rates for 2000–2005 and new rates for 2006–2008 for U.S. women through age 44.Rates are also presented for pregnancy outcomes (live birth, induced abortion, and fetal loss), by age, race, and Hispanic origin, and by marital status.
Source: National Vital Statistics Reports. 2012;60(7).
Recent Trends in Cesarean Delivery in the United States
Source: NCHS Data Briefs. 2010;35.
Seasonal Influenza and 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Pregnant Women—10 States, 2009–2010 Influenza Season
Source: MMWR. 2010;59(47):1541–1545.
Receipt of Influenza Vaccine During Pregnancy Among Women With Live Births—Georgia and Rhode Island, 2004–2007
Pregnant women are at increased risk for complications from influenza. Since 2004, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Obstetric Practice have recommended that all pregnant women be vaccinated with the trivalent inactivated vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy.
Source: MMWR. 2009;58(35):972–975.
Preconception and Interconception Health Status of Women Who Recently Gave Birth to a Live-Born Infant—Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), United States, 26 Reporting Areas, 2004
Source: MMWR. 2007;56(SS10):1–35.

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.

Teen Birth Rates Rose Again in 2007, Declined in 2008.

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 icon[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 icon[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 icon[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, 1991–2003external icon
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.

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Page last reviewed: November 18, 2019
Content source: Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion