A Crisis Grows Deeper in Maternal and Child Health
Mississippi health authorities have announced a state of public health emergency following the state registering its highest infant mortality rate in a decade. New figures for 2024 indicate 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, an alarming increase from 8.9 the previous year. Health officials caution the crisis is indicative of deep structural issues such as poor maternal health, restricted access to care, and racial inequities that continue to grow.
“This is not a statistic. Each infant loss destroys a family, affects a community, and ends an in-the-making life,” State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
A Stark Divide Between Communities
The infant mortality racial disparity is still dramatic. Black Mississippi families experience an infant mortality rate of 15.2 per 1,000 live births, almost three times the 5.8 rate for white families. Neonatal deaths, which are deaths that occur in the first month of life, have increased significantly as well.
The March of Dimes graded Mississippi an “F” on its 2024 report card, placing the state lowest in the country in terms of infant death and preterm birth. “Mississippi has had poor birth outcomes historically,” stated Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical officer at March of Dimes. “But they’re not alone nearly half the country is experiencing the same concerning trend.” Indeed, 24 states, such as Arkansas and Louisiana, experienced higher infant mortality rates from 2023 to 2024.
Health Deserts and Systemic Barriers
The crisis is compounded by widespread “maternity care deserts.” More than half of Mississippi’s counties lack obstetricians, midwives, or even hospitals with maternity wards, forcing women to travel long distances for care. Low Medicaid and insurance reimbursements are driving providers out of the South, while those who remain face burnout and staff shortages.
Without access to routine and emergency care, many women struggle through high-risk pregnancies. Chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension often go untreated before pregnancy, raising the risk of preterm births one of the leading causes of infant deaths. Mississippi’s refusal to expand Medicaid further limits women’s access to preventive care, leaving vulnerable mothers with few options.
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Steps Toward Change
In response, state leaders outlined plans to reach maternity care deserts by growing prenatal care services in certain counties. Mississippi will also build up its community health worker program to link mothers and infants with care at home.
“Mississippi possesses the knowledge, resources, and resilience to make this a different story,” added Dr. Edney. “But it will take all of us policymakers, providers, communities, and families working together to ensure every child gets to celebrate their first birthday.”
