Today, Mississippi state health officials have sounded an alarm. That’s because they’re reacting to a real and disturbing increase in the U.S. infant mortality rate. The state’s maternal mortality rate today is 9.7 deaths per every 1,000 live births. To make matters worse, this trend has worsened for Black infants, whose mortality rate increased from 12.3 to 15.2 deaths per 1,000 live births from 2023 to 2024. This grim trend has led to unprecedented demands for action from the ranks of healthcare professionals as well as community leaders.
During the past 10 years, upwards of 3,500 babies in Mississippi have died before their first birthday. The mass tragic losses are mainly due to five critical reasons. These comprise congenital malformations, preterm birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The newest numbers from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) offer some troubling updates. In 2023, Mississippi once again had the worst infant mortality rate in the nation at 8.9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
Dr. Dan Edney, the state health officer, emphasized the urgency of the crisis, stating, “Too many Mississippi families are losing their babies before their first birthday.” He highlighted a few of the preventable causes that contribute to the high mortality rate. These factors such as limited access to maternal care, high levels of poverty, and increasing rates of chronic disease contribute.
The Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is rallying behind the state’s new initiative aimed at addressing this crisis. Dr. Patricia Tibbs, president of the Mississippi chapter of the AAP, voiced her support. She underscored that real community engagement and cooperation between a variety of stakeholders is key.
“It will take all of us — policymakers, healthcare providers, communities and families — working together to give every child the chance to live, thrive and celebrate their first birthday.” – Dr. Patricia Tibbs
These alarming statistics underscore the significant inequities that exist right within our own state. The percentage of Black infants who die before their first birthday has risen dramatically. The rate for white infants has decreased for three consecutive years. For comparison, in 2022 the mortality rate for white infants was 7.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. By 2023, it dropped to 6.3, and in 2024, it dropped further to 5.8.
Dr. Anita Henderson, a pediatrician and maternal-child health expert, added that improving the health of moms is an important way to address and reduce infant mortality. As a result, she realized that for mothers in Mississippi, getting to the care they need can be difficult. This is in great part because over half of the counties are considered maternal care deserts.
“Many mothers in Mississippi are not able to get the care they need,” – Dr. Anita Henderson
Henderson raised concerns regarding legislative measures that could adversely affect healthcare access:
“The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ contains cuts to Medicaid that may negatively impact reimbursement to hospitals and clinics.” – Dr. Anita Henderson
The increasing trend of hospital closures for labor and delivery units adds further pressure on this point. Henderson says he’s not looking backwards when he expresses fear at what’s to come. If this trend continues, Mississippi may experience an increase in “OB deserts” – areas where pregnant women find it difficult to access the care required.
This post was written by Dr. Jade A. Cobern, medical fellow with the ABC News Medical Unit, who is board certified in pediatrics and general preventive medicine. She said that these heartbreaking deaths are a red alarm klaxon to all who profess to put the well-being of children first.
“These tragic losses are an urgent call to action for all who care about children.” – Dr. Jade A. Cobern
In response to the rising rates and alarming disparities, Edney remarked on the significance of declaring this a public health emergency:
“Declaring this a public health emergency is more than a policy decision; it is an urgent commitment to save lives.” – Dr. Dan Edney
This public health emergency declaration is meant to mobilize resources and raise awareness around the issue. Mississippi’s health officials are resolutely focused on eradicating these hurdles. Their efforts focus on increasing access to prenatal and postpartum care, as well as strengthening community support and resources for mothers and their infants.
