Indiana has lowered the rate of premature births in the state, reflecting a nationwide decline.

The March of Dimes says Indiana lowered its preterm birth rate to 11.6 percent, down nearly two percentage points from the 13.2 rate reported in 2006.

The organization gave the state a C on its annual report card.

   The group says Indiana is one of 40 states that saw improvement in their preterm birth rates between 2010 and 2011.