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Did You Have Syphilis When You Were Pregnant? We Want to Hear From You.

Congenital syphilis has risen significantly in the United States. The Times would like to talk to women who experienced the condition when pregnant and learn how they dealt with it.

A mother holds her infant baby in a clinic.
Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth, and infants who survive may become blind or deaf or have severe developmental delays.Credit...Nayan Sthankiya/Reuters

Sexually transmitted diseases are resurging across the United States. More than 3,700 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in 2022, roughly 11 times the number recorded a decade ago.

Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth, and infants who survive may become blind or deaf or have severe developmental delays. But timely testing and treatment can prevent most of these outcomes.

Sexually transmitted infections disproportionately affect communities of color. Socioeconomic status and education level can also influence prenatal care.

I report on infectious diseases at The Times. I would like to hear firsthand from women who experienced syphilis when pregnant. Were you offered testing when pregnant? If you tested positive, were you treated? How did syphilis affect the health of your child?

The Times will not publish any part of your submission without contacting you first. We may use your contact information to follow up with you.

Congenital syphilis has risen significantly in the United States. The Times would like to talk to women who experienced the condition when pregnant and learn how they dealt with it.

Apoorva Mandavilli is a reporter focused on science and global health. She was a part of the team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the pandemic. More about Apoorva Mandavilli

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