Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2012
A new type of population-based database of multiples in childhood at the prefecture level was initiated in 2004 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. We conducted an exhaustive search for demographic information concerning families with multiples, family support provided by governmental and medical institutions by mailed questionnaire, and at the same time tried to organize a human network to support such families. This registry aims not only to aid research on human genetics and maternal and child health, but also to contribute to the development of welfare programs for families with multiples.