In the first of what will be an annual Premature Birth Report Card, the nation received a “D” and not a single state earned an “A,” when the March of Dimes compared actual preterm birth rates to the national Healthy People 2010 objective. The grade of “D” indicates how far NORTH DAKOTA, with a preterm birth rate of 11.5%, is from the Healthy People 2010 objective of 7.6 percent of all live births. Latest available data (2005) show that the national preterm birth rate is 12.7 percent. 
The only state to earn a “B” was Vermont. Eight states earned a “C,” 23 states earned a “D,” and 18 states plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia got failing grades of “F.”
“It is unacceptable that our nation is failing so many preterm babies,” said Jennifer L. Howse, PhD, president of the March of Dimes. “We are determined to find and implement solutions to prevent preterm birth, based on research, best clinical practices, and improved education for moms.”
In addition to providing state rankings, the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card analyzes contributing factors and prevention opportunities, including rates of late preterm birth, smoking, and uninsured women of child-bearing age. In NORTH DAKOTA, the rate of late preterm births is 8.3%; the rate of women smoking is 24.4%, and the rate of uninsured women is 13.3%.

“The Report Card illustrates the importance of ensuring every pregnant woman in NORTH DAKOTA has access to health coverage, and it further stresses the value of smoking prevention and cessation,” said Melany Jenkins, March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign/Program Services/Public Affairs Chair. “These issues will continue to be March of Dimes advocacy priorities.”