The mere threat of a filibuster often is enough to block Senate action on a bill. House Floor Activity The much larger House needs to take additional steps before it can consider the reported legislation.
birth defect. n. A physiological or structural abnormality that develops at or before birth and is present at the time of birth, especially as a result of faulty development, infection, heredity, or injury. Also called congenital anomaly.. Any distortion of a part or general disfigurement of the body. 2. Congenital malformation, see there. 3. An abnormality of structure, function or body metabolism present at birth that may result in a physical and/or mental disability or is fatal. (bÄ­rth dÄfekt).
Birth Defects. Narrative. Birth defects occur in approximately 3 percent of all live births and are the leading cause of infant mortality, accounting for approximately 20 percent of all infant deaths in the United States in 2009. Birth defects are conditions present at birth that cause structural changes in one or more parts of the body.