What is SOARS?

Ohio SOARS is an ongoing, state-specific, population-based survey designed to collect information on maternal experiences and behaviors prior to, during, and immediately following pregnancy among mothers who have recently experienced a stillbirth (also known as fetal death). The structure of the project and the survey are modeled after work being conducted in Utah in collaboration with the CDC. Stillbirth is defined as the in-utero death of a baby at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later. SOARS was initiated in 2020 to help health officials learn more about why stillbirths occur. Understanding the potential causes of stillbirth can lead to recommendations, policies, and services to help prevent them. 

Importance of SOARS

• SOARS provides data not available in medical records or on fetal death certificates.
• SOARS will provide data to assist in identifying women who are at high risk for stillbirth, monitor risk factors, and identify areas for prevention.
• SOARS will assist in monitoring progress towards goals in reducing the rates of stillbirth in Ohio.

SOARS Advisory Committee

An Advisory Committee was formed as part of this project to provide oversight and review project materials to ensure the survey was well-adapted for Ohio. The Advisory Committee consisted of health equity subject matter experts, women and families who have experienced a stillbirth, maternal fetal medicine specialists, biostatisticians, and survey experts.

Specifically, the Advisory Committee members included representatives from:

For questions about Ohio SOARS, please contact: Andrea Arendt, RN, MPH, at Andrea.Arendt@odh.ohio.gov