Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System

Arkansas’s Trusted Source for Birth Defects Surveillance

ARHMS conducts statewide, population‑based surveillance of birth defects diagnosed prenatally and during early childhood. Through comprehensive case ascertainment and data analysis, ARHMS supports public health programs, clinical partnerships and research initiatives focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Who We Are

Founded in 1980, ARHMS is the state’s population‑based birth defects surveillance program and one of the oldest such systems in the United States.

What We Do

ARHMS actively monitors birth defects diagnosed prenatally and in children under age two, capturing data on all pregnancy outcomes among Arkansas residents statewide.

Why it Matters

ARHMS data supports public health action, research and prevention efforts to improve outcomes for Arkansas' children and families.

Making a Difference

Our Impact at a Glance

Statewide data collected from all birthing hospitals
Thousands of confirmed birth defect cases reviewed and coded each year
More than 45 years of birth defects surveillance in Arkansas
Annual reports and data briefs shared with clinicians and researchers
Dozens of research collaborations supported through ARHMS datasets
Data used to guide statewide prevention efforts and policy decision

Submit a Data Requests

ARHMS proudly supports scientific research and public health initiatives focused on understanding, preventing, and improving outcomes related to birth defects. We actively encourage collaboration with researchers, public health professionals, and policymakers and are committed to contributing high-quality data to advance knowledge of causes, trends, and prevention strategies.

If you are interested in accessing ARHMS data or learning more about our resources, we welcome your inquiry. Data requests may be submitted through the link below, and our team is available to provide detailed guidance on the request process and data use requirements.

Submit Data Request

Learn more about ARHMS

Birth Defect Statistics
Bookmark Birth Defect Statistics
View the birth defect statistics collected by ARHMS for selected common birth defects in Arkansas.

View statistics
About ARHMS
Bookmark About ARHMS
Learn about the history and purpose of the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System (ARHMS).

Learn more about ARHMS
Surveillance Method
Bookmark Surveillance Method
Understand how ARHMS performs statewide, population-based surveillance of birth defects and monitors pregnancy outcomes.

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Research Collaborations

As a population‑based active surveillance program, ARHMS produces high‑quality, reliable data that supports meaningful birth defects research. The program actively collaborates with partners at the local, national and international levels, contributing data and expertise that advance understanding of birth defect causes, risk factors and prevention strategies.

Statewide Information - ARHMS collects information from across Arkansas to help families and health care providers better understand pregnancy outcomes and birth defects.

Research to Help Protect Babies - By working with researchers nationwide and globally, ARHMS helps answer important questions about possible causes of birth defects.

Knowledge Shared for Healthier Pregnancies - What is learned through ARHMS research is shared to support prevention, education, and healthier outcomes for families.

ARHMS Publications

ARHMS data and resources have supported numerous research studies and public health initiatives, including major national efforts such as the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) and the Birth Defect Study to Evaluate Pregnancy Exposures (BD‑STEPS). Findings from these collaborations have been published in peer‑reviewed scientific journals, demonstrating the value of Arkansas’s surveillance data in shaping evidence‑based public health knowledge. ARHMS is proud to play a role in this important work.

Download a list of ARHMS Publications >