Infant Mortality Rate in the USA: A Concerning Rise
In recent years, the infant mortality rate in the USA has been a key indicator of public health, yet for the first time in two decades, this rate has increased. According to a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 20,500 infants died before reaching the age of one in 2022. This figure translates to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, marking a 3% rise from the previous year.
Why is the Infant Mortality Rate Rising?
The causes of infant mortality in the USA remain consistent, with congenital malformations leading the statistics, accounting for 1 in 5 infant deaths. Low birth weight, short gestation, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are also major contributors. However, an alarming development between 2021 and 2022 was a 9% increase in deaths caused by maternal complications, reflecting the intricate link between maternal and infant health.
Experts believe that various factors have played a role in this troubling rise. Amanda Jean Stevenson, a demographer from the University of Colorado Boulder, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that even a stagnation in infant mortality rates is worrisome, as the United States lags behind many other developed nations in this regard.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on Infant Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely contributed to this increase. Research has shown that pregnant women who contracted COVID faced higher risks of serious health complications, which, in turn, affected the health outcomes of their newborns. Babies born to mothers with COVID had a higher likelihood of being born prematurely or with low birth weights, both of which are significant risk factors for infant mortality.
In addition to these health concerns, the social landscape in the United States has also shifted in ways that may influence infant mortality. Notably, the 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to revoke the federal right to abortion has added complexity to the nation’s reproductive health challenges. Studies suggest that restrictive abortion laws correlate with higher infant mortality rates, as seen in states like Texas, where the infant mortality rate spiked after the introduction of severe abortion restrictions.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Infant Mortality
Racial disparities remain a persistent issue in the USA’s infant mortality rate. Black infants experienced the highest mortality rates in 2022, with nearly 11 deaths per 1,000 live births. Equally concerning was the sharp 20% increase in infant mortality among Indigenous peoples of America populations, rising to over 9 deaths per 1,000 live births. By contrast, White infants had the lowest mortality rate at 4.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, though their rate also saw a slight increase.
The Urgent Need for Action
The rise in the infant mortality rate in the USA is a significant public health issue that demands immediate attention. With factors like maternal health complications and racial disparities contributing to this increase, it’s clear that systemic changes are needed to address these challenges. Public health experts stress the importance of improving both maternal and infant care, especially in underserved communities, to reverse this worrying trend.
Source
U.S. Infant Deaths Rise for First Time in Decades:
https://www.healthday.com/health-news/child-health/us-infant-deaths-rise-for-first-time-in-decades
