An annual report released today highlights how the South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative (SCBOI), a multi-stakeholder collaborative led by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) focused on improving birth outcomes, has reduced unwarranted early-elective inductions by 50 percent from 2011 to 2013 with 60 percent of all birthing hospitals in our state boasting a rate of zero percent for early elective inductions between 37 and 38 weeks.

The annual report, compiled by the University of South Carolina Institute for Families in Society, highlights several areas of SCBOI success.

“The Birth Outcomes Initiative is a wonderful example of leaders in the health community working together as a team,” said South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. “Using these strategies allows us to make great strides in improving the health of moms and babies in South Carolina, ultimately driving down infant mortality and saving lives.”

“Early elective deliveries result in worse health outcomes for infants and higher health care costs,” said Christian Soura, director of SCDHHS. “Through the SCBOI, our state has been able to reduce these non-medically necessary inductions by 50 percent from 2011 to 2013, and we only expect this number to improve.”

“The statewide partnership aiming to reduce early inductions has really paid off,” said Thornton Kirby, president and CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association. “We are ecstatic about the reduction rate, and SCHA looks forward to the ongoing collaboration with the Birth Outcomes Initiative to continue this trend with the best interest of moms and babies in mind.”

Read more about the work of the SC Birth Outcomes Initiative, which was featured in The Post and Courier, and get the Annual Report. You can also read the full text of the press release.