The states and the federal government collect vital statistics in the U.S. that include births, deaths, marriages, divorces and changes in civil status. What is the main purpose for collection of this information?

A. to assess population trends and needs
B. to distribute goods and services fairly
C. to control population growth or decline
D. to provide information to marketing services
E. to determine who should receive public assistance

A. to assess population trends and needs

To assess population trends and needs, states and the federal government collect vital statistics. Vital events for which statistics are collected include live births, deaths, fetal deaths, marriages, divorces, induced terminations of pregnancy, and any change in civil status that occurs during an individual's lifetime.