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Alaska Faces Alarming Spike in Birth Defects

7/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Alaska is grappling with a troubling surge in birth defects, especially among native children, with a staggering 651 defects per 1,000 live births recorded in 2017. Heart and musculoskeletal issues, like clubfoot, are prevalent. Factors such as genetics, environmental toxins, and high maternal smoking rates play a role, while remote communities struggle with limited access to necessary treatments.

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Story summary

Alaska is grappling with a troubling surge in birth defects, especially among native children, with a staggering 651 defects per 1,000 live births recorded in 2017. Heart and musculoskeletal issues, like clubfoot, are prevalent. Factors such as genetics, environmental toxins, and high maternal smoking rates play a role, while remote communities struggle with limited access to necessary treatments.