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Birth Defects Research & Prevention

Learn about the research on and prevention of birth defects diagnosed in Massachusetts

Birth defects are common, costly, and critical. Nationally, 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect. Birth defects are a leading cause of childhood hospitalization, as well as infant and childhood mortality. Early identification of a child with a birth defect, along with early interventions, can improve a child’s quality of life and may save their life.

What you need to know

Information about birth defects  Birth defects prevention  National Birth Defects Prevention Study  Publications of the Massachusetts Birth Defects Center 

Centers for Disease Control: Birth Defects (national resource)  Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposureS (BD-STEPS) 

Contact Information

Address

Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
250 Washington St., Boston, MA 02108
Directions 

Phone

(617) 624-5510

Online

Cathy Higgins, Surveillance Coordinator cathleen.higgins@state.ma.us

Related Services

Image credits:  Smiling mother holding infant (Shutterstock)

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