Infant Mortality Disparities Fact Sheets

The United States has made substantial improvements in infant mortality, but disparities still exist. In 2008, the infant mortality rate for African American infants was more than twice the rate for non-Hispanic White infants. In American Indian and Alaska Native populations, the death rate is 60 percent higher than in non-Hispanic Whites. American Indian/Alaska Natives Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) mortality rate is twice the SIDS mortality rate for non-Hispanic Whites. Although the infant mortality rate for Hispanic infants is the same as the rate for non-Hispanic White infants, within the Puerto Rican subgroup, the infant mortality rate was 30 percent higher than non-Hispanic Whites. Internationally, among the 30 countries ranked by the OECD in 2008, the United States ranked 27th.

Quick Facts

African American mothers were 2.3 times as likely as non-Hispanic white mothers to begin prenatal care in the 3rd trimester, or not receive prenatal care at all.
American Indian/Alaska Natives have 1.6 times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic whites.
Puerto Rican infants were twice as likely to die from causes related to low birthweight, compared to non-Hispanic white infants.
The infant mortality rate is 1.7 times greater for Native Hawaiians than for non Hispanic Whites.

Statistics on African Americans and Infant Mortality.

Statistics on American Indians/Alaska Natives and Infant Mortality.

Statistics on Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Infant Mortality.

Statistics on Hispanic Americans and Infant Mortality.

Statistics on Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders and Infant Mortality.

Content Last Modified: 9/4/2012 11:27:00 AM

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