Infant mortality rates used to be incredibly high. This is one of the reasons that the birth rate has fallen in the United States over the decades. Previous generations were less confident that their children would live through infancy, and they would have many children as a result.
But has this positive shift to lower infant mortality rates applied everywhere? Where does New York rank?
New York ranks 6th
New York actually has an excellent infant mortality rate — one of the lowest rates in the United States. The overall rate is just 4.08 deaths for every 1,000 live births. This statistic was calculated in 2020, so it is slightly out of date, but it is the most recent statistic provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Similar states include New Jersey, with an infant mortality rate of 4 out of every 1,000 live births, and Minnesota, with a rate of 4.13 out of every 1,000 live births. Due to the sheer size of New York, the overall number of deaths was much higher – 855, compared to just 392 in New Jersey and 262 in Minnesota. But the statistical rates are much more telling.
Which state ranks last?
The state with the worst infant mortality rate is Mississippi. There, the rate is 8.12 deaths per every 1,000 live births. Other states near the bottom include Louisiana, Arkansas and West Virginia.
On the other side of the spectrum, Vermont has a rate that is very close to zero. There were only 18 total deaths in 2020. California had 1,648 deaths, but it ranks second in mortality rate, with just 3.92 per 1,000.
What options do parents have?
If a child is injured during birth or even tragically passes away, parents are left searching for answers. It’s very important for them to know what legal options they have if they believe medical mistakes may have played a role.
