US Receives Another Failing Grade on Preterm Birth Crisis

Monday marked World Prematurity Day, and for the fourth consecutive year, the United States has earned a D+ grade on maternal and infant health from the March of Dimes annual report card.

The maternal health nonprofit released troubling findings showing nearly 380,000 U.S. babies were born before 37 weeks of pregnancy in 2024—one in every 10 births. Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer for March of Dimes, called the situation urgent.

"We absolutely are in a time of crisis," Warren said. "The United States is among the most dangerous high income countries in the world for giving birth."

The report also reveals worsening racial disparities, with Black mothers experiencing preterm birth rates one and a half times higher than other groups.

Reporter Mandy Gaither explores why the grade remains so low and what needs to change to address this growing health crisis. Watch the full video above for the complete story.