Infant Mortality Within the United States Essay -- Babies Birth Pregna

infant fatality rate Within the United States Herein I briefly oerview the Infant deathrate Rate (IMR) within the United States. Initially, I discuss specific causes of baby death and then, contributing factors which put babies at risk. Next, the distribution of various IMR is surveyed on a state to state basis. States possessing the ten highest infant mortality rate be discussed, including possible reasons for higher IMR. In addition, those states with the ten lowest IMR be mentioned. In conclusion, I consider preventative measures for minimizing the number of babies that die severally year. Return to Table of Contents Introduction Every eight seconds a baby is born in the United Sates (U.S.), and within one mo four babies die (1). The infant mortality rate (IMR) measures the rate at which babies die before their first natal day and is calculated per 1,000 live births. tally to government insures 7.2 babies out of every 1,000 born in 1996 died (2, p 6). Althoug h this figure declines steadily each year and is 406% lower than the 1950 figure (3) the United States IMR is quiesce higher than twenty four other nations (1). More importantly, the IMR for black U.S. citizens is over twice the rate of white citizens (6.3 and 14.6 respectively) (4, p 9). The National Commission to interdict Infant Mortality even calls some regions disaster aras (5, p 18). What are the leading causes of infant death, and what areas within the United States are most stirred? What preventative measures can ensure a child its first birthday? These questions are addressed herein. In addition, certain National Standards for Geography are met. Return to Table of Contents Applicable National Standards In 199... ...Rawlings, pile S. Rawlings, Virginia B. Read, John A. Prevalence of Low Birthweight and Preterm Delivery in Relation to the separation between Pregnancies among White and Black Women. The New England Journal of Medicine, Vol 332, No 2, 19 95, p 69-75. Scott, J. Black Infant Death Rate 2 Times That of Whites. Los Angeles Times, 1991 Nov 15, cx (347), A35. Steinbrook, R. Black Infant Deaths Tied to Birthweight. Los Angeles Times, 111 (184), 4 Jun 1992, A26. Ten Leading Causes of Infant Mortality, Infant Health Statistics. 1997. http//www.mofimes.org/stats/ten.htm (11 April 1998). Ventura, Stephanie J. Kimberley D. Peters Joyce A. Martin Jeffrey D. Maurer. Monthly Vital Statistics Report, Vol.46, No. 1 concomitant 2, 11 Sept. 1997, p 6. http//www.cdc.gov/nchswww/products/pubs/pubd/mvsr/supp/46-45/46-45.htm (11 April 1998).