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Tracking where and when birth defects occur and who they affect is the first step in preventing birth defects. Tracking efforts can tell us if the numbers are increasing or decreasing over time, can help to identify community or environmental factors that might need more study, allows us to evaluate our efforts and plan for services, and allows us to support affected families. Birth defects tracking systems are vital for monitoring and detecting trends, providing information to find causes of birth defects, and planning and measuring the effects of activities aimed at preventing birth defects. Additionally, identifying birth defects at a state level strengthens public health officials’ ability to estimate prevalence and evaluate risk factors that are most important in their community. Information from the birth defects tracking system is used by public health officials, policymakers, and scientists for the following activities: • To understand if the number of birth defects is increasing or decreasing over time. • To investigate possible causes of and risk factors for birth defects. • To educate the public about birth defects and how to prevent them. • To plan and evaluate activities aimed at preventing birth defects. • Analyze incidence, prevalence and trends of birth defects and autism through epidemiological studies. • To refer babies and families affected by birth defects to appropriate services. • To help policymakers allocate resources and services for affected babies and their families.

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