The infant mortality rate in the United States saw a concerning rise in 2022, marking the first increase in 20 years, according to a recent report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data shows that over 20,500 infants died before reaching their first birthday, resulting in a rate of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births—a 3% increase from 2021.
Despite a general downward trend in infant mortality since 1995, the rate in the US remains significantly higher than in many other developed nations. The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reported that 2022's increase is the first statistically significant uptick since 2002, raising alarms among public health experts.
Leading Causes of Infant Mortality
The primary causes of infant mortality in 2022 were consistent with previous years, with congenital malformations responsible for nearly 20% of deaths. Other major causes included disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight (14%), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), unintentional injuries, and maternal complications. Notably, infant deaths due to maternal complications rose by 9% from 2021 to 2022.
Maternal Health and Its Impact on Infants
Experts highlight the strong link between maternal and infant health. The US has historically struggled with high maternal mortality rates, which continue to exceed those in other high-income countries. Recent data suggests that complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum significantly affect infant health outcomes.
Amanda Jean Stevenson, a demographer and assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, underscores the importance of addressing maternal health to improve infant mortality rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated this issue, as infections among pregnant women have led to increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in infants.
Disparities in Infant Mortality Rates
Racial disparities in infant mortality are stark. In 2022, Black infants had the highest mortality rate at nearly 11 deaths per 1,000 live births. American Indian and Alaska Native infants saw a dramatic 20% increase in mortality rates, rising to over 9 deaths per 1,000 live births. White infants also experienced a rise in mortality, although their rate remained lower than that of most other racial and ethnic groups, at about 4.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Policy Changes and Their Impact
The reproductive health landscape in the US shifted significantly in 2022 following the US Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which removed the federal right to an abortion. This has raised concerns about potential links between increased infant mortality and stricter abortion laws. Research has shown a spike in infant deaths in states like Texas after implementing severe abortion restrictions.
The CDC data reveals that 12 out of the 14 states with near-total abortion bans enacted since the Dobbs decision had higher-than-average infant mortality rates in 2022. While drawing direct connections at a national level is complex, the potential impact of these policy changes on infant health cannot be ignored.
The rise in the US infant mortality rate in 2022 is a significant public health concern that underscores the need for improved maternal and infant health care. Addressing disparities, enhancing maternal health, and carefully examining the impacts of recent policy changes are crucial steps in reversing this troubling trend. As experts call for urgent action, the focus must remain on reducing infant mortality rates and ensuring healthier outcomes for all infants across the nation.
Source: CNN
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