Fertility & Pregnancy Rate MICA - General Information

The Fertility Rate MICA provides rates for live births (fertility) and pregnancies (the summation of live births, induced abortions and fetal deaths) per 1,000 females. The rate for "All Ages" is total live births or pregnancies per 1,000 females in age 15-44.

Live birth and fetal death records are compiled from birth certificates and spontaneous fetal death reports which are filed with the Department of Health and Senior Services by state law. The birth certificate and spontaneous fetal death systems have been in place in Missouri continuously since 1911, although changes in data items and definitions have taken place over the years.

Missouri cooperates with other states in the exchange of birth and fetal death records. Therefore, data concerning births and fetal deaths for Missouri residents include virtually all Missouri resident births and fetal deaths regardless of where the event took place.

Abortion records are compiled from the Induced Termination of Pregnancy reports which are filed with the Department of Health and Senior Services by state law. The abortion system has been in place in Missouri continuously since 1975, although changes in data items and definitions have taken place over the years.

Missouri cooperates with other states in the exchange of induced termination of pregnancy records. However, Missouri has not received individual abortion records from Illinois since 1983, and reporting from several other surrounding states has not been complete.