The Iowa Birth Defects Registry has released its 2000 Annual Report, with information on birth defects rates, risk factors for birth defects and ongoing research and education activities in Iowa. Established in 1983 and based at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, the registry is a statewide reporting system that works with all Iowa hospitals and specialty clinics to collect information about birth defects diagnosed in the state. The information collected is used to assess the occurrence of birth defects in the state and study potential risk factors and possible treatments for birth defects. Each year, approximately 1,600 pregnancies in Iowa and 150,000 nationwide are diagnosed with birth defects.
Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality.
The annual report also includes a section on cigarette smoking and pregnancy.