A third of stillbirth deaths go without answers to why they happen. As reported by ProPublica, researchers and maternal health groups are calling for doctors and hospitals to offer post-mortem examinations. These can include assessments such as placental exams, genetic testing and autopsies. These tests are often able to determine a cause of death, or at least eliminate one that may be suspected. But data from the Centers for Disease Control show that only 60% of stillbirths had a planned placental exam and only 20% had an autopsy planned. Karen Gibbins is an assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at OHSU and has published research on stillbirths. She joins us to share what we know about stillbirths and how examinations could give us a better understanding of why they happen and how to prevent them.