Ohio’s Baby Survival Rate Improves, but Black Infants Still Face More Than Twice the Risk of Death
Ohio has recorded its lowest infant mortality rate in a decade, but significant differences remain in the chances of babies surviving their first year of life.
According to data cited from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state’s infant mortality rate is 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is better than previous years but still higher than the national rate of 5.36 deaths per 1,000 live births.
There are also significant racial differences in the figures. The infant mortality rate for black infants is 12.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate for white infants is 5.1 and Hispanic infants is 6.7.
Child and maternal health advocates believe that better survival rates can be achieved than simply by giving people access to health care. Some mothers, especially women of colour, have said they felt ignored or disrespected by health care providers during their pregnancy and childbirth, they report.
The concerns raised by women of colour in community listening sessions remain to be gaps in patient-centred care, said Christine Sander, Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Access to maternity services is also a concern, especially in rural areas where financial pressures have led to the closure of maternity wards or have put some at risk.
The infant and maternal health programmes were funded in the latest Ohio budget, but some proposed funding was cut or eliminated during the budget process.
Additional policies are being sought to support mothers and babies, such as family and medical leave. Senate Bill 396, which would provide up to 18 weeks of family and medical leave insurance benefits, has not been acted upon in the legislature since March.
The state’s infant mortality rate has improved, but advocates say more work is required to ensure more babies have a healthy start to life.
