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Mississippi's Infant Mortality Hits Decade High, Urgent Action Needed

8/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mississippi's infant mortality rate reached 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024, the highest in over a decade.
The state health department plans to improve maternal care and community support to address this issue.
Black infants are disproportionately affected, with rates exceeding 15 deaths per 1,000 live births, a 24% increase.
The CDC will release updated national infant mortality data later this year, amid concerns over abortion restrictions.
March of Dimes highlights Medicaid's role in covering over half of Mississippi's births to help mitigate the crisis.

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Story summary

Mississippi's infant mortality rate reached 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024, the highest in over a decade.
The state health department plans to improve maternal care and community support to address this issue.
Black infants are disproportionately affected, with rates exceeding 15 deaths per 1,000 live births, a 24% increase.
The CDC will release updated national infant mortality data later this year, amid concerns over abortion restrictions.
March of Dimes highlights Medicaid's role in covering over half of Mississippi's births to help mitigate the crisis.