Fetal Mortality in the United States: Final 2021-2022 and 2022-Provisional 2023

This report describes changes in total, early, and late fetal mortality between 2022 and 2023 (provisional), as well as fetal mortality by maternal race and Hispanic origin and state of residence. Comparisons are made with findings from 2021 to 2022.

Data are based on reports of fetal death filed in the 50 states and the District of Columbia and collected via the National Vital Statistics System. In this report, only fetal deaths reported at 20 weeks of gestation or more are included. Data for 2021 and 2022 are final and data for 2023 are provisional.

In 2023, the overall fetal mortality rate was 5.52 fetal deaths per 1,000 live births and fetal deaths, which was not significantly different from the 2022 rate (5.48). From 2022 to 2023, the early fetal mortality rate (20-27 weeks of gestation) significantly increased by 4% to 2.89 per 1,000, while the late fetal mortality rate (28 weeks of gestation or more) was essentially unchanged at 2.64. Among the race and Hispanic-origin groups, the fetal mortality rate increased for Asian non-Hispanic women and was not significantly different for other groups. Fetal mortality rates increased in 4 states, declined in 1 state, and were not significantly different for 45 states and the District of Columbia from 2022 to 2023. In comparison, from 2021 to 2022, the fetal mortality rate declined for total, early, and late fetal deaths, as well as for White non-Hispanic women and in five states.