Ohio gets a "D" grade for prematurity rate

For the first time the March of Dimes has graded the states on the number of babies born early and the results were not good news for Ohio (Source: “High prematurity rates earn Ohio a scolding,” Columbus Dispatch, Nov. 12, 2008).

With a preterm birthrate of 13 percent, Ohio was given a “D.” The state’s rate was slightly higher than the national average of 12.7 percent (the national grade also was a "D"). The rates are based on 2005 data.

The report also includes statisitics for uninsured rates and smoking rates. The report found that 14.5 percent, or about 1 in 7, women of childbearing age in Ohio have no health insurance and 27.4 percent of women of childbearing age in Ohio are smokers.