447,361

Number of U.S. babies delivered before 37 weeks of pregnancy in 2013.

12.8

Percentage of preterm births in the United States at the rate’s national peak in 2006. While this number has steadily declined, the United States still has one of the highest premature birth rates in the developed world.

1

Rank of preterm birth and its subsequent complications as a cause of newborn death in the United States, accounting for 35% of cases. It is also the leading cause of long-term neurological disabilities in children.

$54,000

Medical expense to employers for an average premature infant, compared with $4,000 for a healthy newborn. Costs for infants who arrive extremely early can top $1 million.

$26 billion

Annual costs associated with preterm births in the U.S., according to the National Academy of Medicine. This includes medical and health care costs as well as special education and other interventions.

6

Number of consecutive years California has reduced its preterm birth rate, now at 8.8%, through expanding insurance coverage for women of childbearing age and making preventive services, such as smoking cessation, widely available to pregnant women.