ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 21, 2025, the Mississippi State Department of Health declared a public health emergency after reporting an alarming rise in infant mortality, on top of already leading the nation in infant death rates. March of Dimes, the nation's leading nonprofit fighting for the health of moms and babies, issued the following response from President and CEO, Cindy Rahman:
"The Mississippi Department of Health's declaration of a public health emergency in response to infant mortality is a painful reminder of the maternal and infant health crisis facing our nation. In 2024, Mississippi's infant mortality rate was 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, the highest of any state and substantially higher than the provisional US rate of 5.5 in 2024. The burden falls especially hard on babies born to Black moms, who experienced an infant mortality rate of 15.2—a nearly 24% increase from the previous year, while the rate among babies born to white moms declined.
Every number represents a baby lost and a family grieving. Although Mississippi accounts for less than 1% of US births, the state accounts for more than 1.6% of all infant deaths. These losses should be a wake-up call to the nation. March of Dimes supports Mississippi's public health leadership for raising attention to this critical issue and outlining key strategies to improve birth outcomes in the state.
The recent rise in infant deaths in Mississippi is occurring most often in the earliest days of life, with deaths among newborns under 28 days old driving much of the increase. Prematurity, birth defects, and maternal complications of pregnancy are key contributors to these losses. March of Dimes' Report Card shows Mississippi has some of the worst maternal and infant outcomes in the nation, with a preterm birth rate of 15% compared to 10.4% nationally. Nearly half of all counties in Mississippi are considered maternity care deserts, leaving families with little or no access to maternity care and putting them at greater risk for poor outcomes. Mississippi's commitment to improving its system of care for moms and babies, filling gaps in care, and expanding community health and home visiting programs is an important step forward—and aligns closely with the priorities March of Dimes has been advocating across the country.
Mississippi's crisis reflects a wider trend. Provisional CDC data show that twenty-four states reported rising infant mortality rates in 2024. Some of these states, including Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, were already among the worst in the nation for infant mortality rates, underscoring that our system is failing moms and babies in the places that need investment most.
We know the best way to save babies' lives is to support moms' health before, during, and after pregnancy. That means increasing access to early prenatal care, reducing maternity care deserts, and ensuring no matter where a mom gives birth, she and her baby can be quickly connected to appropriate treatment—from routine delivery to the most specialized newborn care. It also means investing in home visiting programs and community health workers who connect families to resources where they live. Our maternity care deserts report shows that millions of women in the US live in counties with little or no access to maternity care, placing moms and babies at higher risk for poor outcomes.
Protecting Medicaid is equally critical. Medicaid covers nearly 53% of births in Mississippi and 40% nationwide, making it a critical lifeline for moms and babies. Any cuts or restrictions will only make this crisis worse. Telehealth, home visiting, and other community-based supports are essential tools, but they cannot succeed without the foundation of health insurance through Medicaid and other programs that support families.
The United States is among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. We cannot afford to move backward. March of Dimes will continue to lead efforts to expand access to care, protect Medicaid, and advance policies that support the health of moms and babies so that every family has the opportunity to thrive from day one."
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SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.
