Ohio Records Lowest Infant Mortality in 20 Years, but Black Babies Still Face 2.5 Times Higher Risk
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) reported that Ohio had its lowest infant mortality rate in 2024, with 841 babies dying before their first birthday, which is a 20-year low.
The state had an infant mortality rate of 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, which was higher than the national rate of 5.5 per 1,000 live births, but lower than the rates in previous years.
There is still a disparity in infant mortality rates among demographic groups. Infants born to non-Hispanic Black mothers were 2.5 times more likely to die than those born to non-Hispanic White mothers, according to the DCY.
The department also reported differences based on maternal age and insurance coverage. Mothers under 20 and over 40 years of age had increased mortality rates for their infants compared to mothers aged 20 to 39. Mothers enrolled in Medicaid were also more than twice as likely to have an infant death as were mothers with other insurance or no insurance.
In 2024, approximately 30% of infant deaths were attributed to pre-maturity related conditions, making it the leading cause of infant death in Ohio. Over one-third of infants who died were born before 24 weeks gestation.
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) was the most common cause of death among infants who died after 28 days of life. The deaths are typically sleep-related, the DCY said.
The department will strive to lower the state’s overall infant mortality rate to 6.0 per 1,000 live births by June 30, 2027, by investing in the community and collaborating with data and effective programmes.
