​Infant Mortality: Newborns Are Least Likely to Survive Their First Year In These U.S. States, Study Finds Kids' Health Family Health Promoted Complications

A new study reveals that Mississippi has the highest infant mortality rate in the U.S., among other findings:

• Mississippi has the highest average infant mortality rate in the U.S., with 8.85 deaths per 1,000 live births between 2019 and 2023.

• Arkansas ranks second, recording an average infant mortality rate of 7.73 deaths per 1,000 live births over the same period.

• Vermont has the lowest average infant mortality rate, with just 3.37 deaths per 1,000 live births from 2019 to 2023.

The research by Birth Injury Lawyers Group analyzed infant mortality data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2019 and 2023, to calculate the five-year average for each state and identify where newborns face the greatest and least survival challenges.

Mississippi ranks first for infant mortality, recording an average of 8.85 deaths per 1,000 live births from 2019 to 2023. The Magnolia State's average is nearly 57% higher than the national average of 5.62 deaths per 1,000 live births. The highest mortality rate during this period was 9.39 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021, while the lowest was 8.12 in 2020.

Arkansas ranks second, with an average of 7.73 infant deaths per 1,000 live births from 2019 to 2023. The Natural State’s rate is approximately 37% higher than the national average of 5.62 deaths per 1,000 live births. The peak mortality rate during this period was 8.59 deaths in 2021, while the lowest was 7.00 deaths in 2019.

Alabama takes third place, reporting an average of 7.30 infant deaths per 1,000 live births between 2019 and 2023. The Heart of Dixie State’s rate exceeds the national average by about 30%. The highest recorded mortality rate was 7.71 in 2019, while the lowest was 6.62 in 2022.

A spokesperson from Birth Injury Lawyers Group remarked, “The findings of this study highlight that states such as Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama continue to face significant challenges in improving infant mortality rates, despite efforts to provide better health care.

“The data emphasizes the urgent need for targeted health-care interventions and support systems to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in these states. Addressing factors that contribute to high infant mortality rates is crucial in ensuring every newborn has the best possible start in life.

“These statistics should nudge policymakers and health-care advocates to intensify efforts and focus on improving health-care access and quality in these areas, ensuring that more families can thrive."

Louisiana holds fourth place, with an average of 7.34 infant deaths per 1,000 live births from 2019 to 2023. The Pelican State’s rate is 31% higher than the national average of 5.62 deaths per 1,000 live births. The highest rate observed was 7.97 deaths in 2019, while the lowest was 6.78 in 2022.

Ohio ranks fifth, with an average of 6.98 infant deaths per 1,000 live births over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023. The Buckeye State’s mortality rate is about 24% above the national average of 5.62 deaths per 1,000 live births. The highest rate during this period was 7.16 deaths in 2023, while the lowest was 6.70 in 2020.

South Carolina (sixth) with an average infant mortality rate of 6.93 per 1,000 live births, followed by South Dakota (seventh) with 6.84 per 1,000 live births, Oklahoma (eighth) with 6.83 per 1,000 live births, North Carolina (ninth) with 6.78 per 1,000 live births, and West Virginia (10th) with 6.65 per 1,000 live births.

The study was conducted by the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, a nationwide network of lawyers dedicated to advocating for families affected by medical negligence.

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