Despite its rich cultural legacy and energetic communities, Missouri, located in the middle of the country, suffers difficult realities. Infant mortality is a worrying problem that the state has been addressing because it impacts its youngest citizens.
The 2023 March of Dimes Report Card states that Missouri’s preterm birth rate was 11.3% in 2022, which was the same as the rate the year before.
St. Louis County’s Infant Mortality Rate
This number indicates a persistent issue that has to be addressed right away because it is higher than the 10.4% national average.
The report card presents a dismal image, with counties like St. Louis and its city receiving a “F” grade due to a premature birth rate of 12.5%.
The rising rates of infant mortality are more than just a statistic; they represent lives lost and unrealized potential.Missouri had a 16% rise in baby fatalities in 2022; out 68,985 births, 467 babies did not live to see their first birthday.
Missouri is among the states with the highest infant death rates, which is a concerning number that no state wants to have.
Researchers and leaders in the healthcare industry are working hard to identify the root causes of this growth.Infant mortality rates have been found to be mostly caused by bacterial sepsis and maternal problems; unintentional deaths, such as fentanyl poisonings, are also on the rise.
These elements emphasize how urgently comprehensive healthcare solutions and preventative actions are needed.
Read More: This Montana City Leads in Infant Mortality Statistics
Mike Parson, the Governor Concerning the Situation
In his 2023 State of the State speech, Governor Mike Parson touched on the subject, labeling the current state of affairs as “embarrassing and absolutely unacceptable” and stressing the significance of making the necessary corrections for moms and kids throughout the state.
Because local initiatives in metro regions like Kansas City and St. Louis are not connected with state data, the lack of a statewide evaluation of prenatal and infant mortality further complicates the situation.
The infant mortality rate of Missouri, which is 6.8 per 1,000 live births, has to be addressed.
The statistics serve as a reminder that, beneath every number, lies a family grieving the death of a loved one, a community wondering what could have been done differently, and a society that must unite in order to protect the health and welfare of its most vulnerable people.
Read More: Facing the Facts: This Nebraska City Confronts Disturbing Infant Mortality Data
Missouri’s Comparison With Other States in Terms of Infant Mortality Rate
The infant mortality rate in Missouri is 5.9 per 1,000 live births. This rate puts Missouri among the states with more issues in this area when compared to other states, as it is higher than the national average.
For example, the rates in states like Massachusetts and California are significantly lower, at 3.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, which reflects better outcomes for the health of the newborn.
Mississippi, on the other hand, has the highest rate of infant mortality—8.1 deaths per 1,000 live births—indicating much more serious problems. The variations in healthcare outcomes, quality, and access across the nation are exemplified by the disparity in rates amongst states.
Read More: Community Health Crisis: This Delaware City Reports Highest Infant Mortality Rate
To Conclude
Missouri’s efforts to lower its infant mortality rate will not be easy. Preterm birth rates in the state are still persistently high, especially in St. Louis County and the city itself.
Although Governor Parson has recognized the gravity of the situation, efforts to identify the underlying reasons are hampered by an absence of organized data collecting.
Missouri can work to build a future where all newborns have the chance to flourish through targeted prevention efforts, increased access to comprehensive healthcare, and thorough research.
