This investigation evaluated the impact of collecting data on early fetal deaths (less than 20 weeks' gestation) on a birth defects surveillance system. Data were obtained from the Hawaii Birth Defects Program (HBDP), a statewide registry for Hawaii with active case ascertainment methodology. In 1986 through 1997, 257 early fetal deaths with birth defects were identified, representing 2.2% of t...
