The March of Dimes Today:

Premature Birth
Each year, more than 525,000 babies (1 in 8) are born too soon, some so small they can fit in the palm of a hand. Many of these babies must fight just to survive; others must struggle with lifelong health problems. No one knows the causes of nearly half of all premature births, and no one is working harder than the March of Dimes to find out.

Genetic Research
Genetic birth defects leave our children unable to walk, to hear, to think, or even to fight off disease. March of Dimes investments in genetic research already are starting to yield results. For example, two March of Dimes-funded grantees have used gene therapy successfully in treating hemophilia and retinitis pigmentosa in the lab, giving hope that we are closer to a cure for these genetic birth defects.

Parent Education
The March of Dimes helps expectant parents know what to worry about and what not to worry about when it comes to having a healthy baby. Our Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center^SM on the web features articles on topics ranging from prenatal testing and nutrition during pregnancy, to questions and answers on various birth defects. We also address the topic of loss with an array of bereavement materials.

Even though we have beaten polio, the fight to save babies goes on.  March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health. Things like: prematurity, birth defects and low birthweight.