Infant mortality is the death of an infant before their first birthday. The infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. In addition to giving us key information about maternal and infant health, the infant mortality rate is an important marker of the overall health of a society. The leading causes of death among infants are birth defects, preterm delivery, low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), injuries, and pregnancy complications (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).  

Considerations for Equitable Approaches: The infant mortality rate in the United States is higher than in other high-income countries. Within the U.S. there are disparities by race/ethnicity, income, and geographic location (Healthy People 2030). Black/African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native infants have much higher mortality rates than White and Asian infants (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Equitable, high-quality health care for pregnant people and babies and community-based interventions can help reduce the rate of infant deaths.  Addressing social determinants of health is also critical for reducing these disparities (Healthy People 2030).