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Stillbirths

When Babies Die Before Taking Their First Breath

The U.S. has not prioritized stillbirth prevention, and American parents are losing babies even as other countries make larger strides to reduce deaths late in pregnancy.

Impact of Our Reporting
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Stillbirths

Bill to Fund Stillbirth Prevention and Research Passes Congress

The bill expands the use of existing federal money to be used to fight stillbirths. Lawmakers cited ProPublica’s reporting on the issue as key to adding urgency and building support for the measure.

Stillbirths

Experts to Examine a Controversial Forensic Test That Has Helped Convict Women of Murder

Responding to a ProPublica investigation into the “lung float test,” which some have likened to a witch trial, lawyers and medical professionals will work to determine whether the test should be used in court.

Stillbirths

Legislation to Support Stillbirth Prevention Heads to House After Unanimous Senate Approval

Following ProPublica’s reporting on the nation’s stillbirth crisis, a bipartisan group of senators reintroduced a bill to fund prevention. After the Senate passed the legislation unanimously in September, the House is expected to take it up next.

Stillbirths

Lawmakers Propose $45 Million in New Funding for Measures to Lower U.S. Stillbirth Rate

The legislation seeks to improve data and research, as well as develop stillbirth awareness materials. Many women interviewed by ProPublica said they didn’t know they were at risk until they delivered their stillborn baby.

Stillbirths

Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Battle Nation’s Stillbirth Crisis

After legislation fell short of passage last year, a bipartisan group of lawmakers hope to advance a new bill to fund stillbirth prevention, and they credit ProPublica for its reporting.

Stillbirths

Lawmakers Pledge to Fight for Comprehensive Action on Stillbirths

A ProPublica investigation found the U.S. lagging other developed nations in reducing the number of stillbirths. Lawmakers say increased funding will be key to any improvement.

15 stories published since 2022

Thousands of Families Experience Stillbirth. Three Moms Tell Their Stories in a New Documentary.

Before a Breath: America’s Stillbirth Crisis

Sign Up to Screen Our New Documentary About Stillbirths

The Failure to Track Data on Stillbirths Undermines Efforts to Prevent Them

How to Participate in ProPublica’s Stillbirths Memorial

A Memorial for the Children Lost to Stillbirth

As the U.S. Struggles With a Stillbirth Crisis, Australia Offers a Model for How to Do Better

A Lab Test That Experts Liken to a Witch Trial Is Helping Send Women to Prison for Murder

What You Need to Know About Stillbirths

Federal Study Calls U.S. Stillbirth Rate “Unacceptably High” and Recommends Action

She Says Doctors Ignored Her Concerns About Her Pregnancy. For Many Black Women, It’s a Familiar Story.

After a Stillbirth, an Autopsy Can Provide Answers. Too Few of Them Are Being Performed.

Her Child Was Stillborn at 39 Weeks. She Blames a System That Doesn’t Always Listen to Mothers.

“God, No, Not Another Case.” COVID-Related Stillbirths Didn’t Have to Happen.

How Misinformation About COVID Vaccines and Pregnancy Took Root Early On and Why It Won’t Go Away

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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