National Birth Defects Prevention Network
We're on a mission to establish and maintain a national network of state and population-based programs for birth defects surveillance and research.
latest updates
guidelines
The technical guidelines in this document consist of a series of chapters covering the fundamental aspects of developing, planning, implementing, and conducting surveillance for birth defects and using the resulting data
Annual Reports
The annual report includes directory information for birth defects programs, state-specific data on 45 selected birth defects, and journal articles on birth defects surveillance and epidemiology.
data tables
State-specific counts and prevalence of birth defects and a directory of state-based birth defects surveillance programs. Publication date: January 2024
projects
The National Birth Defects Prevention Network helps facilitate collaborative projects that utilize data from state birth defects registries.
Become a part of our mission
As a member of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), you will join an international group of individuals dedicated to birth defects surveillance, research, and prevention.
NBDPN members receive:
- Access to the "Members Only" section of the NBDPN web site where you can:
- View exclusive resources including:
- Birth defects coding questions & answers
- Tips for presenting data
- Statistical computer programs & data sets
- Many archived NBDPN webinars and their handouts (topics include Syndromes Associated with Heart Defects, Deciphering Diagnostic Tools for Heart Defects, Tips on Coding Heart Defects, etc.)
- A free copy of the NBDPN Annual Report, published as the "Congenital Malformations Surveillance Report: A Report from the National Birth Defects Prevention Network" in the journal Birth Defects Research, Part A. Plus, get advance information on its "Call for manuscripts"
- Advance information on the NBDPNAnnual Meeting including the “Call for Posters”
- Access to national and international expertise in birth defects
- Opportunities to participate and learn via a variety of committees and workgroups
- Update your membership information
- Search for other members
- View exclusive resources including:
Committees
- Health Promotions (HP) Committee
- Program & Professional Development (PPD) Committee
- Surveillance Data Committee (SDC)
- Surveillance Guidelines & Standards Committee (SGSC)
- Operations Committee (OC)
NBDPN Strategic Plan
We welcome all members to view the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, found here. Input on themes, goals, and deliverables is welcome from all members.
Become a part of our mission
As a member of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), you will join an international group of individuals dedicated to birth defects surveillance, research, and prevention.
NBDPN members receive:
- Access to the "Members Only" section of the NBDPN web site where you can:
- View exclusive resources including:
- Birth defects coding questions & answers
- Tips for presenting data
- Statistical computer programs & data sets
- Many archived NBDPN webinars and their handouts (topics include Syndromes Associated with Heart Defects, Deciphering Diagnostic Tools for Heart Defects, Tips on Coding Heart Defects, etc.)
- A free copy of the NBDPN Annual Report, published as the "Congenital Malformations Surveillance Report: A Report from the National Birth Defects Prevention Network" in the journal Birth Defects Research, Part A. Plus, get advance information on its "Call for manuscripts"
- Advance information on the NBDPNAnnual Meeting including the “Call for Posters”
- Access to national and international expertise in birth defects
- Opportunities to participate and learn via a variety of committees and workgroups
- Update your membership information
- Search for other members
- View exclusive resources including:
Committees
- Health Promotions (HP) Committee
- Program & Professional Development (PPD) Committee
- Surveillance Data Committee (SDC)
- Surveillance Guidelines & Standards Committee (SGSC)
- Operations Committee (OC)
NBDPN Strategic Plan
We welcome all members to view the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, found here. Input on themes, goals, and deliverables is welcome from all members.
Upcoming Event/Monthly Recognitions
World Birth Defects Day is observed each year on March 3 to raise awareness about birth defects, highlight the importance of prevention and early care, and support individuals and families affected worldwide.
Birth defects—also known as congenital conditions—are structural or functional changes that occur during pregnancy and are present at birth. They can affect nearly any part of the body and range from mild to life-threatening. Globally, millions of babies are born each year with a birth defect, making awareness, early detection, and access to care critical public health priorities.
World Birth Defects Day brings together healthcare providers, researchers, advocacy organizations, policymakers, and families to:
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Promote prevention strategies, including healthy pregnancies, access to prenatal care, vaccination, and proper nutrition such as folic acid intake
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Encourage early screening and diagnosis to improve outcomes
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Advance research to better understand causes and risk factors
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Strengthen health systems to ensure equitable access to treatment and long-term support
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Support families and reduce stigma through education and community engagement
By increasing awareness and working collaboratively across countries and communities, we can improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in recognizing World Birth Defects Day and standing with families around the world and check out our webpage!
