Health Care Access Lacking

According to statistics, the death toll for infants in America is higher than from any war or terrorist activity.

In 2003, an estimated 27, 995 infants died in the U.S. before their first birthday.

U.S. Has High Infant Mortality Rate

When the March of Dimes recently ranked 37 countries in order of infant mortality rate, the U.S. reportedly ranked as number 28 with a mortality rate of 6.8 per 1,000 live births.

Some of the contributing factors to this high number are birth defects, maternal complications and low birth weight.

However, researchers believe that with adequate health care, these pregnancy risks can be reduced dramatically.

Getting Better Care for Women

Better health care and education for women before they become pregnant can optimize health when conception occurs, says Janice E. Whitty, director of the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Meharry Medical College.

Reports show that women with diabetes, HIV, obesity and other chronic diseases are least likely to receive access to health care under the current system.

Preterm Birth

Preterm births can supposedly cause devastating and life altering conditions in infants if it doesn’t kill them.

Many premature babies are subject to developing disabilities like cerebral palsy, chronic respiratory problems and mental retardation.

According to studies, preterm births complicate an estimated 12 percent of pregnancies in America.

(Source: Tennessean)

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