Who We Are & Why It Matters
At Birth Defect Research for Children (BDRC), we are dedicated to helping families
find answers, connect with support, and advance prevention through research, education,
and advocacy. In the United States, a baby is born with a major birth defect every
4½ minutes. In addition, functional birth defects like Autism Spectrum Disorders
now affect 1 in every 31 children. Our mission is to provide reliable information,
encourage prevention, and ensure that no family faces this journey alone.
Learn more about us →
Understanding Birth Defects: Causes, Types & Resources
The Birth Defects Hub is the heart of our work — a place where families, healthcare
providers, and researchers can find trusted information in one central resource. We address both
structural birth defects (such as cleft palate and congenital heart defects) and
functional birth defects (such as autism, ADHD, and immune-based problems). Many organizations do not distinguish between the two.
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List of Birth Defects – detailed fact sheets on common and rare conditions.
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Types of Birth Defects Explained – learn how functional and structural birth defects differ, and where to find condition-specific resources.
- Causes and Risk Factors – insights into genetics, over-the-counter medications, toxic home and workplace exposures (like pesticides, nail salons, and cleaning products), and maternal or paternal health.
- Prevention and Healthy Pregnancy – practical steps parents can take before and during pregnancy.
- Resources for Parents – parent support pages offering guidance, support groups, and family-to-family connections. (Note: our Community Resource page is for neighborhoods concerned about increases in birth defects.)
Visit the Birth Defects Hub →
Learn More About Specific Birth Defects
Parents often need clear, reliable explanations about a diagnosis — what it means,
why it happens, and what treatment options exist. Our Fact Sheets provide
easy-to-understand, medically reviewed information on both common birth defects
and rare birth defects. Each fact sheet is designed to answer parents’ most urgent questions
while connecting them to further resources.
- Learn the basics of each condition.
- Understand causes and risk factors.
- Find practical next steps for treatment and support.
Explore Birth Defect Fact Sheets →
Groundbreaking Research from the National Birth Defect Registry
The data collected through our National Birth Defect Registry has been used in
groundbreaking research. By combining family health histories with environmental and lifestyle data,
the Registry helps identify patterns and possible causes of both functional and structural
birth defects that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Our Registry research has supported projects on environmental exposures, paternal and maternal health,
and genetic predispositions — bringing us closer to prevention and better outcomes for children.
Families who participate are part of a much larger movement to advance science and public health.
Find Research on Birth Defects →
Join the National Birth Defect Registry: Make Data Count
The National Birth Defect Registry is one of the most important tools we use to
uncover the causes of birth defects. By joining, parents share valuable information that researchers
can analyze to identify risk factors, prevention strategies, and potential treatments.
Participation is confidential and free — yet its impact is enormous. Since 1982, BDRC has built
unparalleled authority in this field, with as much expertise as larger organizations working on birth defects.
Every family that contributes to the Registry helps protect future generations.
Join the National Birth Defect Registry →
How BDRC Has Made a Difference
For more than three decades, Birth Defect Research for Children has been a trusted source
of information and support for families. Through research, advocacy, and education, we have made a lasting
impact on the understanding and prevention of birth defects.
- We are the only organization in the world collecting data on both maternal and paternal birth defects, and on both functional and structural birth defects, through the National Birth Defect Registry.
- Published hundreds of fact sheets on both common and rare birth defects.
- Collaborated with researchers on studies exploring environmental and genetic causes.
- Led efforts that resulted in a dangerous drug being removed from the worldwide market.
- Helped identify clusters of birth defects caused by toxic environmental exposures, including cleft palate cases linked to contaminated water supplies.
- Documented rare birth defects in the children of Gulf War veterans and immune-based problems in the children of Vietnam veterans.
- Provided direct support, guidance, and resources to countless parents nationwide.
These achievements are only possible thanks to the families, researchers, and supporters who believe in our mission.
Together, we are building a healthier future for children.
Why We Need Your Information in the Registry
Joining the Registry isn’t just about contributing data — it’s about being part of a
community-driven solution. Families who share their stories highlight the
real-life impact of birth defects, while also driving prevention efforts.
- Contribute to vital national research.
- Help shape prevention strategies that may protect other families.
- Gain a voice in shaping the future of children’s health.
It’s a simple but powerful way to turn personal experience into lasting change.
Find Out Why You Should Join the Registry →
What Families Are Saying
Families who have worked with Birth Defect Research for Children often share their
experiences — the challenges, the struggles, and the ways our resources and research have helped them
feel less alone. Hearing directly from parents helps others understand the real impact of our work
and builds a community of support.
Read their stories and experiences here:
See Family Reviews →
