Stillbirth Facts

We’re working to reach the expectant parents most at risk of experiencing stillbirth.

Our ultimate goal is to make meaningful, sustainable, and systemic change that leads to a world where the impacts of age, ability, access to healthcare, ethnicity, geography, race, or socioeconomic status are no longer predictors of stillbirth.

Every year in the U.S. an average of 21,209 babies are born still, according to the CDC. Disparities in stillbirth outcomes persist, and data shows that a disproportionate number of babies are born still to Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native families. Expectant parents in some age groups, geographic locations, and those expecting multiples also face an increased risk of stillbirth.

According to the CDC:

• 1 in 177 of all pregnancies in the U.S. ends in stillbirth.
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander pregnancies have a 1 in 97 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• Black pregnancies have a 1 in 100 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• American Indian or Alaska Native pregnancies have a 1 in 139 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• Hispanic pregnancies have a 1 in 216 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• White pregnancies have a 1 in 223 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• Asian pregnancies have a 1 in 270 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• Pregnancies of women aged 45+ have a 1 in 99 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• Pregnancies of women ages 40-44 have a 1 in 119 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• Pregnancies of women ages 15-19 have a 1 in 146 chance of ending in stillbirth.
• The risk of stillbirth for women who smoke in pregnancy is 1 in 102.
• The risk of stillbirth for male babies is 4% higher than for female babies.
• The risk of stillbirth is two times higher for twin pregnancies than for singleton pregnancies.
• Stillbirth rates for triplet or higher-order deliveries are four times higher than for singletons.
• Stillbirth is more common in the South than in other regions of the United States. [Source]

Research from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) shows there are several contributing factors to the racial health disparities in stillbirth. Researchers point to the following as causes for the differences:

• Epigenetics explains how early experiences, both positive and negative, can have lifelong impacts. This type of scientific research shows how environmental influences can affect the expression of genes. [Source]
• Expectant parents of color are more predisposed to conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
• Lack of access to healthcare can impact early concerns or diagnosis of conditions and treatment.
• Rural Americans are at greater risk for poor outcomes. According to a 2024 March of Dimes report, over 35% of U.S. counties lack birthing facilities or obstetric clinicians, affecting over 2.3 million women of reproductive age. [Source]
• Socioeconomic barriers.
• Education is NOT a determining factor. [Source]