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Cleft lip/cleft palate is a congenital anomaly that occurs in approximately 1 in 750-800 live births in
Caucasians and 1 in 1600-1800 live births in African-Americans. The defect may consist of only a slight
notch in the lip or in the soft palate. In other instances, the cleft may extend through one side or both
sides of the upper lip and/or completely through the hard and soft palates. Although the exact cause of the
anomaly is still unknown, in some families there is evidence to suggest a hereditary cause. In most instances,
the reason for the anomaly cannot be determined. It is not caused by something the parents did or did not do!
No one is to blame for this defect. Parents and families of children with cleft lip/cleft palate may best use
their time and energy to provide the care and support their child needs rather than worry about the cause of the cleft.
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