U.S. Stuck at D+ in 2025 Preterm Birth Report, D.C. Worsens as Mississippi Remains Worst

Overview

• March of Dimes’ 2025 Report Card keeps the nation at a D+ with a 10.4% preterm birth rate for a fourth straight year, or nearly 380,000 babies born too early.
• Washington, D.C. received an F with an 11.8% preterm rate after a 9% year-over-year jump, the largest increase nationwide, alongside higher infant mortality and widespread inadequate prenatal care.
• Mississippi again posted the highest preterm birth rate at 15.0% and persistent challenges including 8.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, high inadequate prenatal care, and stark racial gaps.
• California improved to a B- with a 9.1% preterm rate, strong early prenatal care and low infant mortality, while New Jersey earned a C+ at 9.4% and maintained one of the nation’s lowest infant mortality rates.
• Disparities remain entrenched, with preterm births for babies born to Black moms at 14.7% nationally and higher rates for Medicaid-covered births, as March of Dimes expands mobile clinics, NICU family support, research centers, and pushes for PREEMIE and Preventing Maternal Deaths Act action with extended Medicaid postpartum coverage.