US report card on preterm birth rates: Grades by state

The U.S. again received a “D+” grade in March of Dimes’ annual report card on maternal and infant health.

This marks the fourth consecutive year the U.S. has received a “D+”, pointing to stalled progress in addressing longstanding health disparities and access gaps in maternal health. In 2025, 10.4% of babies were born preterm — a meager improvement from the all-time high of a 10.5% the nation saw during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The nonprofit organization gave each state a letter grade for its preterm birth rate. Overall, rates improved in 19 states from 2024-25. Rates worsened in 21 states and Washington, D.C. New Hampshire was the only state to earn an “A” grade. 

How March of Dimes graded each state on preterm birth rates: 

Alabama: F

Alaska: C

Arizona: C

Arkansas: F

California: B-

Colorado: C

Connecticut: C

Delaware: D+

Florida: D+

Georgia: F

Hawaii: C

Idaho: B-

Illinois: D+

Indiana: D

Iowa: C-

Kansas: C-

Kentucky: F

Louisiana: F

Maine: C

Maryland: D+

Massachusetts: B

Michigan: D+

Minnesota: C

Mississippi: F

Missouri: D

Montana: C+

Nebraska: D

Nevada: D

New Hampshire: A-

New Jersey: C+

New Mexico: C

New York: C+

North Carolina: D+

North Dakota: C+

Ohio: D

Oklahoma: D

Oregon: B

Pennsylvania: C

Rhode Island: B-

South Carolina: F

South Dakota: D-

Tennessee: D

Texas: D

Utah: C+

Vermont: B+

Virginia: C-

Washington: B-

West Virginia: F

Wisconsin: C

Wyoming: D+

Access the full 2025 March of Dimes Report Card here.

The post US report card on preterm birth rates: Grades by state appeared first on Becker’s Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis.