Summary
Mississippi declared a public health emergency due to a high rate of infant deaths. Infant mortality in Mississippi was nearly 10 per 1,000 live births, with Black babies having an even higher rate. Experts are concerned that Medicaid cuts could worsen the situation, affecting infant mortality rates across the U.S.
Key Facts
- Mississippi has declared a public health emergency over rising infant death rates.
- Nearly 10 infants die per 1,000 live births in Mississippi, with Black infants at 15.2 per 1,000.
- The U.S. national average is 5.6 infant deaths per 1,000 births.
- Medicaid cuts are feared to potentially worsen infant mortality rates.
- Preterm birth and low birth weight significantly affect infant survival chances.
- Specialized care for preterm babies is limited in Mississippi, but new measures hope to improve their care.
- The new emergency declaration facilitates the transfer of vulnerable infants to better-equipped facilities.
