#United States #Maternal Health #March of Dimes #Mississippi #Infant Health

Mississippi's Troubling Maternal and Infant Health Report

The March of Dimes recently released its 2025 Report Card, revealing alarming statistics regarding maternal and infant health in Mississippi. For the fourth year in a row, Mississippi has received an F grade, underscored by its staggering preterm birth rate of 15.0%, the highest in the nation. This annual report, launched on World Prematurity Day, evaluates key indicators such as preterm birth rates and access to maternity care across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The findings paint a sobering picture of the challenges faced by families in the state.

In 2024, 5,017 babies were born prematurely in Mississippi, and the rate has unfortunately remained stable compared to the previous year. Though Mississippi ranks among the top ten states for having lower rates of severe maternal morbidity, it continues to grapple with significant maternal health challenges, including an infant mortality rate of 8.9 per 1,000 live births, inadequate prenatal care affecting 14.7% of expectant mothers, and pronounced racial disparities in health outcomes.

The report highlights the marked differences in preterm birth rates among different demographic groups. Babies born to Black mothers in Mississippi have an alarming preterm birth rate of 18.5%, in stark contrast to a rate of 12.7% for white mothers. These figures reveal the deep-rooted inequities that persist in maternal health, urging immediate action and policy interventions.

On a national scale, the statistics are equally concerning. The United States as a whole earned a D+ in its report due to a preterm birth rate of 10.4%, marking the lowest grade in history. Additionally, it was noted that babies born to mothers on Medicaid experience a preterm birth rate of 11.7%, compared to 9.6% for those with private insurance. Racial disparities seem to worsen, with preterm birth rates among infants born to Black mothers climbing to 14.7%, making them 1.5 times more likely to be born prematurely than their peers.

Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, shared his deep concern regarding Mississippi's poor maternal and infant health statistics. Having grown up in the South, he emphasized the familiarity of these issues and the urgent need to address risk factors contributing to preterm births like chronic conditions, unequal access to healthcare, and previous pregnancy complications. Dr. Warren stressed the importance of investing in research, expanding access to maternity care, and establishing policies to give every family a fair opportunity for a healthy start to life.

In response to these challenges, March of Dimes is taking proactive steps to combat the causes of preterm birth. This includes the expansion of Prematurity Research Centers and the operation of Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers, which deliver essential prenatal and postpartum care directly to communities where access is limited. The organization is also advocating for crucial legislation such as the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, which would support funding for Maternal Mortality Review Committees. There is a pressing need to reauthorize the PREEMIE Act to renew federal investment and improve maternal health data collection.

Additionally, Mississippi's declaration of a Public Health Emergency underscores the state's commitment to enhancing birth outcomes. Efforts include the implementation of a regionalized maternal and neonatal care system, increased access to prenatal services, and educational initiatives focused on safe sleep practices to reduce infant mortality.

While the 2025 Report Card reveals the ongoing challenges for Mississippi—and the nation—it also highlights the importance of continued advocacy and systemic change. March of Dimes remains dedicated to supporting families by providing essential resources, sharing research, and promoting policies that expand access to high-quality maternity care. The path forward requires collective action to ensure that families in Mississippi and across the United States can receive the care they need for healthier births.

For more detailed insights and state-by-state grades, you can access the full 2025 Report Card at marchofdimes.org/reportcard.