The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the creation of a $37 million Stillbirth Research Consortium to reduce preventable stillbirths in the United States. Nearly 24,000 stillbirths occur annually, more than 60% of which remain unexplained.

The University of Utah Stillbirth Research Center, led by Robert Silver, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, is one of four national research centers selected. The U will bring expertise in education, bereavement/mental health, and advocacy, and will evaluate strategies such as decreased fetal movement monitoring and optimal strategies for managing it.

“We are thrilled to be part of the NIH Stillbirth Research Consortium. This effort will greatly facilitate U.S. research to improve the health of mothers and babies. It is a tribute to the multidisciplinary breadth of clinical and research expertise at the University of Utah that we were selected as one of the centers,” said Silver.

“The loss of a child to stillbirth is a devastating and often preventable tragedy. The University of Utah is honored to be part of this national consortium, bringing our expertise in women’s health, bereavement, and advocacy to address this critical issue. Our participation reflects the power of collaborative research to transform care and highlights the essential role of innovation in improving outcomes for families and communities.” said Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research, University of Utah.

Other centers in the consortium include the University of California San Diego, Columbia University, and Oregon Health & Science University, along with a data coordinating center at RTI International.

Learn more about how University of Utah research is driving innovation and improving lives.