Birth Defects Program Documents

The South Carolina Birth Defects Program began in July 2006 after the passage of the SC Birth Defects Act. This law mandates active surveillance of major birth defects identified before birth through age 2. South Carolina monitors over 50 birth defects recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network.

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Recent Submissions

  • Publication
    2022 Report: Birth defects in South Carolina
    (2023-04-05) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    2022 SCBDP Vision: A South Carolina where healthy births are promoted, every birth defect counts, and families impacted by birth defects are supported. 2022 SCBDP Goal: To continue to support the 3 pillars of the SC Birth Defects Program: Prevention, Research, and Referrals.
  • Publication
    Birth defects in South Carolina 
    (2019-06) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    The SC Birth Defects Program (SCBDP) is focused on birth defects prevention, research, and referrals. Birth defects are one of the top causes of infant death and sickness in South Carolina and in the United States. Babies born with a birth defect are more likely to face physical, academic, and social challenges than babies born without a birth defect. Many of these children need Early Intervention (BabyNet) services or surgeries within the first few years of life so that they can thrive.
  • Publication
    Birth defects in South Carolina
    (South Carolina State Library, 2020-06) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    Many infants are born with more than one birth defect. The SC Birth Defects Act (Title 44-44-10) allows DHEC to address birth defects prevention, research, and referrals through the SC Birth Defects Program. Overall, birth defect rates are similar across racial and ethnic groups; however, disparities exist regarding some specific types of defects.
  • Publication
    South Carolina birth defects program resource guide
    (South Carolina State Library, 2019-04) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    The South Carolina Birth Defects Program is required to monitor birth defects and refer families impacted by birth defects to services. This guidebook describes different birth defects and provides information and services for families impacted by birth defects.
  • Publication
    Birth defects in South Carolina
    (South Carolina State Library, 2018-06) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    Many infants are born with more than one birth defect. From 2009 to 2015, the most recent years for which we have complete data, the South Carolina Birth Defects Program identified over 8,000 cases. Overall, birth defect rates are similar across racial and ethnic groups; however, disparities exist regarding some specific types of defects.
  • Publication
    Birth Defects in South Carolina
    (South Carolina State Library, 2017-06) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    Birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality. Additionally, babies born with birth defects who survive infancy have a greater chance of illness and long term disability than babies without birth defects. The causes can involve genetic (such as chromosomal anomalies) or environmental (such as lead exposure during pregnancy) factors, or a combination of these factors. However, in about 70 percent of cases of birth defects, the causes are unknown. The South Carolina Birth Defects Program began in July 2006 after passage of the S.C. Birth Defects Act. This law mandates active surveillance of major structural birth defects identified prenatally through age two. South Carolina monitors over 50 birth defects recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Birth Defects Prevention Network.
  • Publication
    REDUCE BIRTH DEFECTS
    (South Carolina State Library, 2017-01) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    If you are a female of childbearing age, taking the following steps may help reduce birth defects: Take a multivitamin every day. Make sure it contains 400 micrograms of folic acid ; End bad habits. Avoid alcohol, tobacco products, or using street drugs ; Take charge. Keep diabetes and other chronic diseases under control ; Reach and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise and eat a healthy diet to reduce your risk of chronic diseases ; Prevent Zika. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Talk with your healthcare provider about your travel plans if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in 2017.
  • Publication
    Birth defects in South Carolina
    (South Carolina State Library, 2016-05) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    Birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality. Additionally, babies born with birth defects who survive infancy have a greater chance of illness and long term disability than babies without birth defects. The causes can involve genetic (such as chromosomal anomalies) or environmental (such as lead exposure during pregnancy) factors, or a combination of these factors. However, in about 70 percent of cases of birth defects, the causes are unknown. The South Carolina Birth Defects Program began in July 2006 after passage of the S.C. Birth Defects Act. This law mandates active surveillance of major structural birth defects identified prenatally through age two. South Carolina monitors over 50 birth defects recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Birth Defects Prevention Network.
  • Publication
    REDUCE BIRTH DEFECTS
    (South Carolina State Library, 2015-08) South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
    This sheet gives steps for reducing birth defects such as: take a multivitamin every day, end bad habits, take charge and reach and maintain a healthy weight.