California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 103825

(a) To maintain an ongoing program of birth defects monitoring statewide. “Birth defect” as used in this chapter means any medical problem of organ structure, function, or chemistry of possible genetic or prenatal origin.

(b) To provide information on the incidence, prevalence, and trends of birth defects, stillbirths, and miscarriages.

(c) To provide information to determine whether environmental hazards are associated with birth defects, stillbirths, and miscarriages.

(d) To provide information as to other possible causes of birth defects, stillbirths, and miscarriages.

(e) To develop prevention strategies for reducing the incidence of birth defects, stillbirths, and miscarriages.

(f) To conduct interview studies about the causes of birth defects.

(g) To affirm the authority of the state department to contract with a qualified entity to operate the birth defects monitoring program statewide.