Which statement best characterizes disabilities due to premature birth?

The statement that best characterizes disabilities due to premature birth is that some premature infants may experience long-term disabilities while others may have no effects at all. This reflects the variability in outcomes that can result from premature birth. Premature infants are born before the 37th week of gestation, and the earlier they are born, the higher their risk for a range of health issues.

However, not all infants born prematurely will face disabilities. Many may develop without significant health challenges, while others might encounter developmental delays or disabilities. This variability can depend on numerous factors, including the degree of prematurity, the quality of neonatal care received, and individual health factors.

The other statements suggest blanket assumptions about the outcomes of premature birth, which do not accurately capture this variability. Not every premature infant will experience disabilities, and the severity of complications can differ widely among infants based on their gestational age, health care, and possibly genetic factors.