The Rise In Infant Mortality Rate In Ohio
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in Health & Wellness, Medical Malpractice on October 16, 2017
A new report by the Ohio Health Department reveals that the infant mortality rate rose slightly in 2016 when compared to the previous year. In 2016, 1,024 babies died within their first year of life: That’s 19 more than in 2015.
The infant mortality rate in Ohio for 2016 was 7.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
In comparison, the infant mortality rate in the U.S. (in general) was 5.8. Countries with similar rates include Puerto Rico (7.4), Kuwait (7.1), and Lebanon (7.6). (Central Intelligence Agency data)
The report also showed that:
- The mortality rate for black babies was nearly three times greater than it was for white babies.
- Sleep-related deaths dropped by 22 percent from 2015 to 2016. In 2015, there were 150 sleep-related deaths; In 2016, there were 117.
The most common causes of newborn and infant deaths in Ohio are:
- Premature deliveries
- Preterm births
- Sleep-related deaths
- Birth defects
Many factors affect infant mortality rate – biological, environmental, socio-economic, and more. While the rate increase is not dramatic, it is worth paying attention to.
When a baby is injured during the delivery process, or when a baby is born with a birth defect – and either are caused by medical negligence – the family may be eligible for compensation. Talk to a birth injury lawyer in a free consultation: Call Elk & Elk at 1-800-ELK-OHIO.
Jay M. Kelly III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
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