The relationship of unwed status to infant mortality

Article Abstract:

Although the United States spends a larger proportion of its gross national product on health care than 10 industrialized European nations, it is in last place (tied with one other country) when infant mortality in 20 industrialized nations is ranked. The very high number of low-birth-weight infants born in the US may account for the dismal showing. Low infant birth weight is not a problem that can be solved only by technological improvements. As one of many nontechnological factors that could affect birth weight, unwed status was evaluated in relation to birth outcome in Iowa. Prenatal care is easily available in Iowa, and the state has the lowest percentage of births without prenatal care in the nation. Data were gathered for a 10-year period (1977-1986) for unmarried and married women; maternal age at delivery, previous births, prenatal visits, birth weight, and survival of offspring were assessed. Results showed that the birth rate among unmarried women increased during the study period (up to 15 percent of live births in 1986); however, a disproportionate number of these babies died (24 percent of neonatal and fetal deaths). The rate of low-birth-weight babies (under 1,500 grams or 3.3 pounds) was much higher for unwed mothers. Infant mortality was not different for married and unmarried women whose babies were in this weight category or in the 1,500- to 2,000-gram (3.3- to 4.4-pound) category. However, surprisingly, infant mortality was considerably higher for unmarried mothers' babies who weighed more than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds) at birth. Unmarried women tended to be younger, less well educated, and to be giving birth for the first time. Mothers' ages and educational status did not correlate with infant mortality. Unmarried women had fewer prenatal visits; the consequences of this for infant mortality were not immediately apparent. A discussion is presented of the ways out-of-wedlock birth could lead to increased infant mortality. A strong case is made for educating young people so that they can prevent unwanted pregnancies and for evaluating causes of death of larger infants so that methods of prevention can be developed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Statistics, Iowa, Unmarried mothers, Illegitimate children

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Do we have the infant mortality rate we desire?

Article Abstract:

Infant mortality is higher in the United States than in any other industrialized nation. In response to this, the federal government has provided more money for prenatal care, but this has done little to remedy the situation. Poor women have not used the care to which they are entitled through Medicaid. Factors other than availability of Medicaid that affect infant mortality must be investigated. Prematurity is the primary cause of newborn deaths and illness, and poverty and unplanned pregnancies are important causes of preterm births. Teenagers, unmarried black women, and those receiving Medicaid are at greatest risk for both poverty and unplanned pregnancy. These women are often the victims of a national policy that prevents them from receiving information about family planning, including ready availability of contraceptives. Conservative religious groups have been able to block efforts to provide such counseling and help. In 1987 religious conservatives blocked the airing of a public service message about oral contraceptives that was to run on three networks. In 1988 the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality published its report, with no mention of the effects of unintended pregnancy, or any suggestion regarding its prevention. Such topics were not politically acceptable. Health care professionals are standing by while well-organized groups are blocking or attempting to dismantle family-life education in the schools. If nothing is done, then we will continue to have the infant mortality we desire. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Reports, Sex education, editorial, United States. National Commission To Prevent Infant Mortality

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A strategy to reduce infant mortality

Article Abstract:

Reviews of death rates among mothers were used as a basis for the development of fetal and infant mortality reviews to reduce the death rates of infants in the United States. The national program to reduce infant mortality consists of three parts: (1) guidelines and directions created by persons from a variety of disciplines; (2) a technical group to help implement the guidelines and coordinate activities with local and regional committees; and (3) local review committees. The new program would also focus on fetal mortality, which was not extensively emphasized in previous programs. The program will develop a broad classification of the causes of infant death, which may be related to medical care, the health system, and individual patient characteristics. The participation by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, representing the private medical sector, and by other national medical societies as well as national, state, and local public health agencies, will be essential for the implementation of a national program to reduce infant mortality. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social policy, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

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