State’s Infant Mortality Rate is Devastating

State’s Infant Mortality Rate is Devastating

By State Representative Debra Maggart

The National Center for Health Statistics, an arm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ranks the United States 30th in terms of infant mortality.
While that number may sound dismal, Tennessee’s numbers are even worse. Our state is ranked 47th in the country, putting us well above the national average. In fact, Tennessee has a higher infant mortality rate than 42 other countries around the world. These statistics are devastating, but your Tennessee General Assembly has been working to change those numbers.

In the 2009 Legislative session, the Tennessee General Assembly created an Infant Mortality and Teen Pregnancy Study Committee. Last spring I was appointed to serve on that committee and was honored to be named chairman. We have been working toward solutions to improve Tennessee’s numbers. State government can play a significant role in reducing infant mortality and lowering teen birth rates, and we intend to propose meaningful legislation to that end.

Specifically, our committee is focused on four main issues: reducing the rate of infant mortality, lowering the number of pre-mature infants, diminishing the rate of teen pregnancy and decreasing the number of infants born with low birth weight. While the national averages in these fields have steadily decreased over the last few decades, Tennessee has watched its rates fluctuate, sometimes hitting unprecedented highs. For the last three years, the rate in Tennessee has decreased from about 8.75 to 8.2 percent, but the national average hovers around 6.5 percent, indicating Tennessee still has a long way to go.

What are some of the causes of the devastating data? The Tennessee Department of Health estimates that in 15 counties, between 33.6 and 46.2 percent of women smoked during their pregnancy. Obesity is also a contributing factor. The CDC estimates that more than 30 percent of Tennesseans are obese- a number that correlates with the number of premature infants born. Poor utilization of prenatal care and preventative care, coupled with personal choices and poor habits also contribute significantly.

Lest you think I am only the bearer of doom and gloom, there are bright spots. Tennessee is one of 32 states that have implemented a home visiting program- through legislation sponsored by our own Sen. Diane Black aimed at supporting families during the critical time prior to pregnancy and through early childhood development. Trial research has shown positive results for these programs. For example, a study conducted by Healthy Families America, a national program, showed those who participated in home visiting programs had better birth outcomes and a positive impact on breastfeeding and early immunization rates. These types of programs connect with families and have a uniform tracking method for results are solution-oriented, and could be sound long term investments in the future of Tennessee.

This issue is not about Republican versus Democrat. To rectify this, it will take all of us working together-increasing awareness regarding the availability of prenatal care, increasing the number of women utilizing other programs and educating young Tennesseans on their options. Our committee is focused and ready to make a difference, and I look forward to updating you on our progress.