Mississippi's 2025 Report Card on Maternal and Infant Health
ARLINGTON, Va. — March of Dimes, a leader in promoting the health of mothers and infants, has released its latest assessment on maternal and infant health across the U.S. The 2025 Report Card indicates that Mississippi has received a troubling F grade due to its preterm birth rate of 15.0%, the highest in the nation. This annual evaluation sheds light on various aspects crucial to maternal and infant well-being, including preterm birth statistics and access to essential maternity care across all states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Preterm Birth Rates in Mississippi
In 2024, Mississippi reported that 5,017 babies were born preterm, maintaining a consistent rate from 2023. Despite being among the ten states with the lowest severe maternal morbidity rates, Mississippi grapples with significant challenges, including an infant mortality rate of 8.9 per 1,000 live births, high levels of inadequate prenatal care at 14.7%, and pervasive racial disparities. Particularly alarming is the elevated preterm birth rate of 18.5% for babies born to Black mothers in contrast to 12.7% for those born to White mothers.
National Context of Maternal Health
The crisis in maternal and infant health is not limited to Mississippi; it reflects a national trend. The United States has received a D+ for its overall preterm birth rate, which now stands at an alarming 10.4%, marking the fourth consecutive year of historically low grades. Additionally, disparities are evident in different insurance categories, where babies born to Medicaid-insured mothers face a preterm birth rate of 11.7% compared to 9.6% for those with private insurance. Racial disparities are also worsening, with the preterm birth rate among babies born to Black mothers reaching 14.7%, significantly higher than their peers.
Actions and Advocacy by March of Dimes
Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, expressed personal concern regarding these statistics, particularly as they pertain to the South, where he was raised. He emphasized the importance of addressing risk factors associated with preterm birth, such as previous preterm births, chronic health conditions, and disparities in access to care. He acknowledged the dedicated professionals in Mississippi who are committed to the health of expectant mothers and their infants, indicating a need for further investment in research, improved access to care, and the establishment of robust health policies.
March of Dimes is actively tackling the issues surrounding preterm births, leading efforts through its Prematurity Research Centers and operating Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers that provide vital prenatal and postpartum care to underserved communities. Moreover, they are advocating for the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, aimed at securing funding for Maternal Mortality Review Committees, and renewing the PREEMIE Act to promote federal investment in research and data collection while also seeking to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage.
Mississippi's Commitment to Improving Health Outcomes
With the recent declaration of a public health emergency in Mississippi, the state is taking significant steps to enhance birth outcomes. This includes the development of a regionalized maternal and neonatal care system, broadening access to prenatal services, and educating families on safe sleep practices to mitigate infant mortality rates. March of Dimes is committed to supporting these initiatives by providing research, resources, and programs aimed at ensuring that all families have access to quality maternity care in their communities.
Although the 2025 Report Card reveals that Mississippi, along with the rest of the nation, remains entrenched in a precarious situation regarding maternal and infant health, March of Dimes is making strides in research, expanding healthcare access, and advocating for effective policies to safeguard the health of all mothers and babies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mississippi's grade in the 2025 Report Card?
Mississippi received an F grade due to its high preterm birth rate of 15.0%, the worst in the nation.
How many babies were born preterm in Mississippi in 2024?
In 2024, there were 5,017 preterm births reported in Mississippi.
What is the infant mortality rate in Mississippi?
The infant mortality rate in Mississippi stands at 8.9 per 1,000 live births.
What initiatives is March of Dimes involved in to improve maternal health?
March of Dimes operates Prematurity Research Centers, mobile health centers, and advocates for significant health policies aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
What are racial disparities related to preterm births?
In Mississippi, the preterm birth rate is 18.5% for babies born to Black mothers, compared to 12.7% for those born to White mothers, illustrating significant racial health disparities.
