Eligible women were Georgia residents aged ≥18 years with a reported stillbirth from December 1, 2012–February 28, 2013 identified through fetal death certificates. Women received a handwritten sympathy card, followed by a mailed questionnaire about their health and experiences around the time of the loss. Nonresponders received two additional mailings and up to three phone calls.
During the study period, 149 eligible women had a reported stillbirth. Forty-nine (33%) women responded. Excluding women with invalid contact information (n = 26) yields an adjusted response rate of 40%. Response differed by race and/or ethnicity, but not by fetal, delivery, or other maternal characteristics.
Women appear willing to respond to a survey regarding a recent stillbirth. Further studies of the expansion of PRAMS to include stillbirth are warranted.