Birth and Fetal Death Data Files 

Data files are released in a manner that will not compromise the confidentiality of the parents, children, or decedents on the certificates.  Unless there is a specific need for personal identifiers, non-confidential data files should be used.  Personal identifiers are those fields on the data files such as names and other fields that could identify an individual.  Files containing such personal identifiers are considered confidential data files and are only available for specific uses as prescribed by law.  Users must obtain approvals from the California Health and Human Services Agency's Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) and/or the California Department of Public Health Vital Statistics Advisory Committee (VSAC) in order to use data files with personal identifiers.  Once the files are obtained, users must follow strict guidelines to protect the confidentiality of the data. 

Description of Files

Birth and Fetal Death Data files are compiled from the information reported on birth and fetal death certificates, including detailed demographic information related to the child, mother, and father, as well as medical data related to vital event.  Below are brief descriptions of available birth data files.  Each file contains several different variables.  For a list of variables for each file, click here.

• Birth Cohort Files - Available Years 1960, 1965 to 1997, and 1999 to 2005

The Birth Cohort Files contain data for all live births that occurred in a calendar year, death information for those infants who were born in that year but subsequently died within 12 months of birth, and all fetal deaths that also occurred during that calendar year.  This file is especially valuable for studying infant deaths, as well as birth outcomes, because it permits examination of both birth and death information for those infants who died.  These files are available with or without personal identifiers.  CPHS and the VSAC approvals are required to obtain the confidential birth files with personal identifiers.

• Birth Public Use Files - Available Years 1989 to 2006

The Birth Public Use Files are sub-sets of the Birth Statistical Master Files.  These files are smaller and easier to use.  The file structure and the variable coding are designed to facilitate trend analysis and to simplify computer programming.  They contain only the most commonly used variables and do not include personal identifiers.

• Birth Statistical Master Files - Available Years 1960 to 2006

The Birth Statistical Master Files are the largest and most comprehensive of the birth data files.  These files contain detailed demographic information related to the child, mother, and father, as well as medical data related to the birth.  These files are available with or without the personal identifiers.  CPHS and VSAC approvals are required to obtain the confidential birth files with personal identifiers.

• Fetal Death Statistical Master Files - Available Years 1970 to 2006

The Fetal Death Statistical Master Files contain data obtained from fetal death certificates registered in California each year.  These files contain demographic information related to the child, mother, and father, as well as medical data related to the fetal death.  The medical data includes the underlying cause of the fetal death.  These files are available with or without the personal identifiers.  CPHS and VSAC approvals are required to obtain the confidential birth files with personal identifiers. 

Purchasing Files