Reported Decline in Infant Death Rates Yields False Positive
For the first time in over 70 years, Ohio infant mortality rates have declined according to The Department of Health. This study reports that in 2014, fewer than 1,000 infants died before reaching their first birthday. This 2014 infant death rate was 8% lower than the infant mortality rate in 2013! So where is the cause for concern?
This same study also revealed a frightening difference in the rate of death for African Americans compared to Caucasians. The ever-widening gap between the infant mortality rate of Caucasian babies and African American babies is tragic and concerning.
Top Causes for Infant Deaths in Ohio
In Ohio, the top causes of infant death are; birth defects, sleep related issues and pre-term births. The largest contributing factor to the gap between race-related infant death statistics is death resulting from pre-term births. This is due to the fact that pre-term birth complications are more common in African American women. The question is whether or not the quality of care is also factoring into this equation.
In Ohio, African American babies are 25% more likely to die before their first birthday than the national average.
The overall average for infant death rates in the state of Ohio is 12% higher than the national average.
As both a parent and a birth injury attorney, these statistics are tragic and unacceptable. Care should not vary based on race, religion, geographic location or any other factor! If you have suffered the unimaginable heartbreak of losing your child, you must call me immediately.
