Cuyahoga County Flunks Its Infant Mortality Report Card?
The results from this year’s annual report card on infant and maternal morbidity are in. As poorly as the whole U.S. is performing, Ohio itself is faring even worse.
Every year since 2008, the nonprofit March of Dimes has released a report card to “educate and advocate for better mom and baby outcomes across the U.S.” The report focuses primarily on preterm birth rates, one of the leading causes of infant mortality. In that category, for the second year in a row, the U.S. overall scored a dismal D+. That grade is based on the 10.4% average preterm birth rate, totaling more than 380,000 babies born before 37 weeks.
To further justify its D+ grade, the March of Dimes report highlighted other troubling statistics in infant mortality and maternal morbidity. For example, there has been a 3% increase in infant mortality rates over the past year and a doubling of maternal morbidity (injury that does not result in death) rates from 2018 to 2021.
Ohio and Cuyahoga County Lag Behind National Average
When March of Dimes breaks the data down by state and county, Ohio and Cuyahoga County are performing even worse than the rest of the country. March of Dimes gives Ohio a D on its report card based on a preterm birth rate of 10.8% in 2022, representing a steady increase from 10.6% in 2021 and 10.3% the year before. Cuyahoga County received an F, one of four counties in the state to do so, for its 12% preterm birth rate. The rate is the 2nd highest in Ohio following Mahoning County at 15.1%.
These high preterm birth rates in Ohio have contributed significantly to the State’s infant mortality rate of 7.1 per 1,000 live births, totaling 916 infant deaths in 2021. The leading cause of child mortality in Ohio remains birth defects, followed by preterm birth and low birth rate, and then by birthing accidents.
Inadequate Prenatal Care Is Far Too Common
As March of Dimes shows in its report, there is no silver bullet to lowering preterm birth rates. There are many factors that can contribute to a preterm birth, including smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), unhealthy weight, diabetes, carrying multiple children, or having a previous preterm birth. However, the report highlights a significant failure – and opportunity for improvement – in Ohio’s care for mothers and their infants: currently 14.4% of birthing people in Ohio receive “inadequate prenatal care.” Inadequate prenatal care means occurs whenever a pregnant woman starts to receive care in the fifth month of pregnancy or later, or when they’ve received less than 50% of the appropriate number of visits.
The Eisen Law Firm and Birthing Injuries
At The Eisen Law Firm, we believe it is crucial to bring adequate prenatal care to all birthing people in Ohio. And it is just as crucial to ensure that all mothers and their infants are receiving the best care possible to minimize the risk of infant mortality and maternal morbidity from complications like preterm birth.
If you or a loved one suffered harm during the birthing process, we may be able to help. Our attorneys are passionate about holding doctors and healthcare providers accountable when their negligence causes birth injuries. Reach out today to schedule a free initial consultation and case review with one of our attorneys. Call us at 216-687-0900, or contact us online to set up a time to connect. We look forward to speaking with you.