The rate of premature births has increased more than 30 percent since 1981. Preterm birth: causes, consequences, and prevention, a new report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, provides the most comprehensive estimate to date of the annual economic costs associated with preterm birth in the United States. The report also addresses the role that infertility treatments -- including the use of superovulation drugs and multiple embryos -- play in the number of preterm births. In addition, the report examines the substantial variations in preterm birth rates across different racial and ethnic groups.
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The report is embargoed and not for public release before 9 a.m. edt on Thursday, July 13. Reporters can obtain an advance copy by contacting the National Academies' Office of News and Public Information at tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu.