Infant Mortality Rates: A Disturbing Disparity for Black Babies

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Let’s kick things off with a staggering fact: the United States, one of the richest nations on the planet, has shockingly high infant mortality rates compared to its developed counterparts. According to the CDC, we trail behind at least 27 other affluent countries in our ability to keep newborns alive during their first year. Finland and Japan are leading the pack, while the U.S. finds itself languishing near the bottom—just above Slovakia. If you want to see how bad it is, check out this chart for a visual wake-up call.

In the U.S., around 6 out of every 1,000 newborns will not make it through their first year. Sure, some infant deaths are inevitable—unfortunately, that’s a heartbreaking reality. However, many of these deaths are preventable, especially when you consider that numerous other developed nations boast rates that are nearly half of ours.

It’s downright embarrassing and unacceptable that a country renowned for its advanced medical expertise has such a staggering infant mortality rate. The CDC highlights that a nation’s infant mortality rate is a telling indicator of its overall health and well-being. Factors affecting the health of entire populations inevitably impact the mortality rates of infants.

Now, brace yourself for another harsh statistic: “There are significant differences in infant mortality by race and ethnicity; for instance, the mortality rate for Black infants is more than twice that of white infants.” Yes, you read that correctly. Black babies are twice as likely to die as white babies, and this catastrophic difference is particularly alarming when we’re talking about the most vulnerable among us—someone’s baby, someone’s child. This statistic should ignite a fire in your belly.

Even more disturbing is that while the U.S. as a whole struggles with infant mortality, the rates for infants born to white, educated women are comparable to those in other developed nations. As highlighted in a piece from The Nation titled “What’s Killing America’s Black Infants?”, the infants most at risk are those born to “poorer, less-educated families, particularly those headed by unmarried or Black women.”

So, while infant mortality remains a critical issue in America, it’s Black babies who are bearing the brunt of the crisis. The article by journalist Mia Thompson dives into the heartbreaking realities of why Black infants are at such a disadvantage. Her findings are complex but ultimately point toward systemic racial discrimination—economically, socially, and psychologically.

Thompson explains that it’s not just socioeconomic barriers at play; it’s a pervasive racism that affects even highly educated Black women. For instance, despite their education and socioeconomic status, Black women still face higher infant mortality rates compared to their white counterparts. “A growing body of evidence points to racial discrimination, rather than race itself, as the dominant factor in explaining why so many Black babies are dying,” Thompson writes. She argues that institutional racism—“unequal treatment baked into our social, economic, and political systems”—is at the heart of this issue, and its effects have been felt in Black communities for generations.

Thompson suggests that this systemic racism may contribute to chronic stress among women and babies, impacting their overall health and ability to have healthy pregnancies. The cumulative effects of discrimination can wreak havoc on the biological systems necessary for a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Around the same time Thompson’s article gained traction, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a statement addressing racial discrimination in maternal healthcare. They acknowledged that racial bias exists and is unacceptable, urging healthcare professionals to recognize their own biases and the unique challenges faced by Black women and their babies.

While these statements are a step in the right direction, they must be followed by actions, discussions, and a commitment to dismantling the deeply ingrained racism in our healthcare system and society at large. As someone who stays informed on health issues surrounding women and children, I was aware of the disparities in infant mortality rates but was struck by the depth of this issue after reading Thompson’s article. It’s high time we confront these uncomfortable truths and work together for the health and well-being of mothers and their children.

I may not have all the answers, and it might take years to unravel and address these complex issues, but we need to initiate the conversation. Speaking as a white woman, I can’t fully grasp the lived experiences of my Black friends, but it’s crucial we advocate for the necessary changes that will allow every baby the chance to thrive.

If you’re interested in more insights on related topics, check out this post on home insemination and consider visiting Make a Mom for their expertise. For an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, don’t miss Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.

In summary, the disparity in infant mortality rates between Black and white babies in America is a significant and alarming issue rooted in systemic racism. Addressing this crisis requires awareness, conversation, and action to ensure healthier beginnings for all infants.