Preterm birth and infant mortality measures in U.S. remain stubbornly high

STAT November 17, 2023
Annalisa Merelli

Preterm births and infant mortality are at alarming levels in the U.S., according to a new report published on Thursday by March of Dimes. In 2022, 10.4% of all babies were born premature — before 37 weeks of gestation — a slight improvement after the decade-high 10.5% peak of 2021, but still higher than the global average of 9.9%. This makes the U.S. the country with the highest risk of preterm birth among its wealthy peers: In the U.K., for instance, the rate is 7.6%; in Italy, it’s 6.8%; in Japan, it was around 5%.

“This year’s report shows the state of infant and maternal health in the United States remains at crisis-level, with grave disparities that continue to widen...

Today's Sponsors

Today's Sponsor