Infants Dying in Alabama

By Lisa Carter

If someone read this headline in the paper, it would send shockwaves through the state. But in reality that is what is occurring on a daily basis in our state and has been solidified by the most recent statistics released for 2007. Three years ago, the state of Alabama had hit a historical low in its infant death rate – otherwise known as infant mortality. But for the past three years we have seen a slow increase with a rise to 10 deaths/1000 births for 2007. This rate places Alabama 49th out of the 50 states, once again saved by Mississippi.

Why should be we concerned about infant deaths? Unfortunately, our infant death rate is just the tip of the iceberg. Many other babies who don’t die survive, only to have long term special needs, medical complications and developmental delays. Furthermore, the general health of the population is reflected in that community’s infant mortality rate – which means the United States and Alabama is quite poor.

The two leading causes of infant death include prematurity and birth defects. Unfortunately, our state and national prematurity rates continue to climb. Prematurity, by definition, refers to any baby born prior to 37 weeks gestation or 3 weeks early. Our prematurity rate is currently about 12% in Alabama. About 1/3 of all healthcare dollar expenditures are directly attributable to premature birth. That is absolutely astounding – and why the March of Dimes continues to work to better understand the causes of prematurity, prevention strategies, education, and advocacy measures for mothers and their babies.