Black infant mortality rate decreases, remains double the national average

A recent report reveals that although there was a nearly four percent decline in the fetal mortality rate among Black women in 2020, it still remains significantly higher compared to other racial groups.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics published a report on Wednesday stating that there were 21,105 fetal deaths in 2021. This represents a one percent increase from the 20,854 fetal deaths reported in 2020. However, the significant change in mortality rates was observed only among Black women.

The fetal mortality rate among Black women declined from 10.34 deaths per 1,000 live births to 9.89. Despite this improvement, the rate remains considerably higher than the fetal mortality rates among non-Black individuals.

Fetal deaths typically occur after 20 weeks of gestation or later, and they account for only 1 percent of all pregnancies in the United States. However, the fetal mortality rate among Black women is nearly double the national average.

Research consistently shows that Black babies experience worse health outcomes even after birth. These negative outcomes persist regardless of the mother’s socioeconomic or educational status.

In a study published in January, researchers found that babies born to affluent Black mothers were more likely to have risk factors, such as preterm birth or low birth weight, compared to babies born to both poor and affluent white mothers.

While the exact causes of fetal deaths are unclear, these racial disparities in health outcomes follow a broader pattern of racial disparities in women’s health.

Black pregnant individuals are three to four times more likely to die compared to their white counterparts. The reasons for these disparities include a lack of diverse medical professionals, high rates of comorbidities, and mistreatment rooted in unscientific beliefs traced back to the era of slavery that still lingers in the medical system.

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries.

In 2021, Mississippi had the highest maternal mortality rate for Black mothers. The report also highlights that Mississippi had the highest rates of fetal mortality between 2019 and 2021.

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