Birth Defect News

Centers For Child Birth Defects Research And Prevention

Birth defects are common – about 1 in 33 babies are affected. However, in most cases, the causes of birth defects are unknown. Scientists believe that most birth defects are caused by a complex mix of factors including genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. But for the most part, these factors are not understood.

Although birth defects are common, it is rare to see many babies born with the same birth defect. Before the Centers for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (CBDRP) began in 1997, many of these birth defects had yet to be studied. The Centers were created to combine efforts and increase the capacity of state programs to carry out research. This research will increase our understanding of the causes of birth defects and provide information that can be used to prevent birth defects.

Currently, CDC has set up centers in:

• Arkansas
• California
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• New York
• North Carolina
• Texas
• Utah 

The centers are established in states with existing birth defect programs that have nationally recognized expertise in birth defects surveillance and research. All centers work together on the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). CDC coordinates the CBDRP and participates in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) as the ninth study site. In addition, each center has its own center-specific research projects.

If you or anyone you know has experienced the results of a birth defect or any other kind of medical malpractice, please contact us. We are here to help you.

	Did You Know?
	Risk For Having A Baby With A Birth Defect May Increase As A Woman Gets Older Women who are 35 years of age or older have a greater chance of having a baby with Down syndrome. Of the known causes of mental retardation, Down syndrome is the most common. It affects about 1 in 800 births. Down syndrome happens when there is an extra chromosome 21 (“trisomy 21”). Scientists have not proven that other birth defects, genetic or otherwise, are linked to the mother’s age.