#USA #March of Dimes #Mississippi #infant mortality

Mississippi's Infant Mortality Emergency

On August 21, 2025, the Mississippi State Department of Health took the significant step of declaring a public health emergency in response to a distressing rise in infant mortality rates. Mississippi has long been noted for having some of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation, and this latest spike underlines a crucial health crisis affecting not only the state but the country as a whole.

Cindy Rahman, the President and CEO of March of Dimes—a leading nonprofit organization advocating for maternal and infant health—expressed grave concern over this situation. In her statement, she reflected on the troubling statistics from 2024: Mississippi had an infant mortality rate of 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, significantly exceeding the provisional national average of 5.5. Furthermore, Black infants in Mississippi faced an even more alarming mortality rate of 15.2, which represents a dramatic increase of nearly 24% compared to the previous year. Conversely, the rate among white infants saw a decline.

Each statistic translates into a heartbreaking loss for families, with Mississippi, accounting for less than 1% of the country's births, contributing to over 1.6% of all infant deaths. This stark reality should serve as a wake-up call that demands urgent action not only from Mississippi's leaders but also from national authorities.

The situation is further compounded by the fact that the majority of infant deaths tend to occur within the first 28 days of life, driven mainly by prematurity, birth defects, and complications arising during pregnancy. The March of Dimes report card indicates that Mississippi ranks poorly on several maternal and infant health metrics, showing a premature birth rate of 15%, contrasted with a national rate of 10.4%. Alarmingly, nearly half of the counties in Mississippi are deemed maternity care deserts, restricting adequate maternal healthcare and exacerbating the risks for adverse outcomes.

The state's commitment to transforming its maternal and infant healthcare systems and addressing existing gaps is an essential step forward. Aligning strategies with initiatives championed by March of Dimes that aim to bolster the community-based healthcare infrastructure is vital for improving birth outcomes in Mississippi.

The issues in Mississippi reflect broader trends visible across the United States. Preliminary data from the CDC shows a rise in infant mortality rates in 24 states by 2024, with Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana among the worst offenders. This underscores a systemic failure to support mothers and infants in areas that desperately require investment and resources.

To mitigate this crisis, it is paramount to enhance maternal health before, during, and after pregnancy. This includes improving access to early prenatal care, decreasing maternity care deserts, and ensuring that all mothers, regardless of their location, receive appropriate treatment—from routine births to specialized neonatal care. Furthermore, investing in home visitation programs and community health workers to connect families with resources is crucial.

Protecting Medicaid is equally essential, as it covers around 53% of births in Mississippi and 40% nationwide, serving as a critical safety net for mothers and infants alike. Any cuts or restrictions to this program would only serve to worsen the existing crisis. While telehealth services, home visits, and community-based support systems are vital, they cannot succeed without the foundational support of health insurance through Medicaid and other family-focused programs.

The United States is among the most dangerous developed countries for childbirth, and we cannot afford to regress in the fight for maternal and infant health. March of Dimes continues to advocate for policies that ensure all families have the opportunity to thrive from day one, emphasizing the urgent need to expand access to care, safeguard Medicaid programs, and prioritize the health of mothers and their babies at every level.