No test of reporting completeness has been conducted. However, a comparison of institutions reporting was made in 1988 with the Division of Reproductive Health in the Centers for Disease Control which also collects abortion data. Institutions which were not aware of reporting requirements were contacted and reporting was initiated at that time. Not all abortions occurring in other states involving Alabama residents are being reported to the Center for Health Statistics, with Florida being the main concern. Florida does not have a procedure for reporting Alabama resident abortions to the Center for Health Statistics.
Marriage is thought to be well reported.
Annual comparisons of totals for licenses issued by each county are used to identify counties where significant changes in the number of licenses issued have occurred. Probate offices in these counties are contacted to verify such changes or identify possible reporting problems. Divorce registration is believed to be not as complete as the registration of marriages because many divorces which are initiated are never finalized. Annual comparisons of totals for finalized divorces by county are made to identify those counties with significant changes. Contacts are made with circuit clerks in these counties to verify totals or identify possible reporting problems.