White, Native American, Male, and Premature Infants Drive U.S. Infant Mortality Rate Increase

U.S. infant mortality rate rises 3% in 2023, largest increase in two decades

The U.S. infant mortality rate rose 3% in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the largest increase in two decades.

White, Native American, male, and premature infants drive U.S. infant mortality rate increase

The increase in the U.S. infant mortality rate was driven by a significant increase in death rates among white, Native American, male, and premature infants.

The death rate for white infants increased by 4%, the death rate for Native American infants increased by 7%, the death rate for male infants increased by 4%, and the death rate for infants born at 37 weeks or earlier increased by 5%.

CDC: U.S. infant mortality rate hits highest level in two decades

The CDC said that the U.S. infant mortality rate in 2023 was the highest it has been in two decades.

The infant mortality rate is the number of babies who die before their first birthday per 1,000 live births.

Alarming rise in U.S. infant mortality rate raises concerns about maternal and child health

The alarming rise in the U.S. infant mortality rate has raised concerns about maternal and child health in the country.

Public health experts are calling for more investment in programs that support pregnant women and new families.

U.S. infant mortality rate on the rise, disparities in death rates persist

The U.S. infant mortality rate has been on the rise for several years, and disparities in death rates between racial and ethnic groups persist.

Black and Hispanic infants are more likely to die before their first birthday than white infants.

The CDC is working to identify the causes of the increase in the U.S. infant mortality rate and to develop interventions to reduce it.