More than half skip flu shots, missing opportunity for prevention

The United States is failing hundreds of thousands of its youngest citizens on the day they are born, according to the March of Dimes. In the first of what will be an annual Premature Birth Report Card, the nation received a "D" and not a single state earned an "A," when the March of Dimes compared actual preterm birth rates to the national Healthy People 2010 objective.

In the first Premature Birth Report Card, the United States received a "D" and no U.S. state earned an "A," when the March of Dimes compared preterm birth rates to Healthy People 2010 objectives. Premature birth affects more than 530,000 babies annually in the United States. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and lifelong disability.

HELENA - Montana's premature birth rate is too high, and the state urgently needs to take action to prevent more deaths and disabilities, according to a March of Dimes report released Wednesday.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 12 (HealthDay News) -- When it comes to premature birth rates, the United States rates a "D," and 18 states plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia get failing grades.

The United States is failing hundreds of thousands of its youngest citizens on the day they are born, according to the March of Dimes.

March of Dimes says 18 states plus Puerto Rico and District of Columbia get failing grades.