VITAL STATISTICS
The new Iowa law of vital statistics is very strict.  It was adopted by the last general assembly, and after a two-year test is found to be working out well, although in many counties of the state some carelessness is seen in the reporting of these vital statistics.

The law requires that all births, deaths, marriages and divorces be properly reported and recorded.  Violators are subject to penalties.

The blanks used are furnished free by clerks of the courts in various counties, and are the forms put out by the United States Census bureau, Washington, D. C.

When a baby is born, the date of birth, its name, its parents names and ages, etc., must be sent to the county clerk of courts in the county where the child is born to be registered.  The doctor is required by law to do this, but the family should make sure that it has been done.  Once registered, a copy of the birth certificate can always be obtained from the county clerk of court in the county where the child was born, or from the state board of health, vital statistics department, Capitol building in the City of Des Moines.  Do not let your children find out that parents considered their birth an unimportant event.