NIH Launches New Multimillion-Dollar Initiative to Reduce U.S. Stillbirth Rate

Published: Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 2:30 pm

NIH Launches $37 Million Consortium to Combat Stillbirths

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has committed $37 million over five years to a new consortium aimed at reducing the unacceptably high stillbirth rate in the United States. This initiative, announced last week, has garnered excitement from medical professionals, researchers, and families affected by stillbirth. The consortium will involve four clinical sites and one data coordinating center, bringing together expertise from across the country.

The primary focus of the consortium will be on predicting and preventing stillbirths. Research will explore various avenues, including understanding placental failure, assessing fetal movement, determining optimal delivery times, and utilizing advanced technologies like blood tests and ultrasounds. The teams also plan to investigate how electronic medical records and artificial intelligence can aid in early risk detection. Additionally, the consortium aims to address bereavement and mental health support for families who experience stillbirth.

The NIH initiative follows a national shift in focus on stillbirth, a historically neglected public health concern. The consortium's formation is seen as a direct result of increased awareness and advocacy, including reporting by ProPublica and the reintroduction of the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act in Congress. The consortium will also collaborate with the stillbirth community through advisory groups. The goal is to reduce the stillbirth rate, which currently sees over 20,000 stillbirths annually in the U.S., with up to 25% potentially preventable.

BNN's Perspective:

This NIH initiative represents a crucial step in addressing a significant public health issue. The investment in research and the collaborative approach, involving both medical professionals and the affected community, are promising. While the focus on prevention is vital, it's equally important that the consortium addresses the emotional and psychological impact on families who experience stillbirth. This comprehensive approach offers hope for meaningful progress in reducing stillbirth rates and improving care for those affected.

Keywords: stillbirth, NIH, consortium, research, prevention, fetal health, pregnancy, medical, healthcare, funding, SHINE Act, public health, maternal health, infant mortality, medical research, health initiative

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