Born in the USA

I recently did a research project and presentation about pregnancy and infant mortality in the USA. Here are some of the key findings:

- The USA has some of the worst infant mortality rates when compared with most other industrialized, first world countries. The USA is currently in 30th place in international rankings, with 6.9 deaths per thousand live births.

- If you are African American, you are about 50% more likely than a white person to have a premature birth.

- According to the last census, 12.4% of all children born in the US are born prematurely. On average, more than 900 late preterm babies are born every day in the USA.

- The USA does not utilize midwives; there is a lack professionals trained to assist normal, natural births in our health care system.

- There are approximately one million children born each year to mothers who receive little or no prenatal care. (Approx. 23% of all births in a year.)

- Approximately 13% of pregnant women have no health insurance when they become pregnant. 

- Maternal death rates int eh US are abominable! Times article here. 

What an embarrassment to our country!