|
|
Article: We can do better at reducing U.S. infant mortality rates.(VITAL SIGNS: Perspectives of the president of APHA)(American Public Health Association)
- Article from:
- The Nation's Health
- Article date:
- April 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 The Nation's Health. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
I am embarrassed and saddened each year when I review how the infant mortality rate for the United States compares with that of other nations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States had almost 7 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births in 2002--a total of almost 28,000 babies lost. That ranks us 28th in the world, behind countries that spend much less per capita on health care.
Infant mortality rates also vary greatly between states, to an alarming degree. In 2003, rates ranged from highs of 10.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in the District of Columbia and 10.5 deaths in Michigan, to a low of 4.3 deaths in ...