What is the term for the collection and preservation of data related to births, adoptions, and deaths?

The term for the collection and preservation of data related to births, adoptions, and deaths is known as vital statistics. This concept encompasses official records that document significant life events, including vital events like births and deaths, which are crucial for demographic analysis, public health management, and legal purposes. Such statistics provide valuable information that government entities and organizations utilize to shape policies, allocate resources, and analyze population trends.

Vital statistics are systematically collected and maintained, typically at the local or state level, and serve as a fundamental component of public health and demographic research. In contrast, while family records and public records may contain similar information, they are not specifically focused on the statistical aspect of vital events. Health records pertain more broadly to individual patient care and medical history rather than the demographic data associated with births and deaths, which are crucial for understanding population dynamics.