March of Dimes, the nation’s leader in the fight for the health of all moms and babies, issued its 2019 March of Dimes Report Card that reveals Georgia’s current state of maternal and infant health. Georgia earned an “F” for its preterm birth rate, one key indicator of maternal and infant health. Beyond preterm birth, the Report Card includes a new focus on maternal health and highlights solutions and policy actions that can make a difference. This year’s Report Card provides a more comprehensive view of the health of moms and babies—as their health is deeply intertwined—across the country, for major cities, each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. overall.
The preterm birth rate increased in Georgia to 11.5 percent. This compares to a rate of 11.4 percent from the previous year. Overall preterm birth rates in the U.S. increased for the fourth year in a row, earning it a “C” grade, with Georgia ranking 45th among the 50 states. The U.S. is among the most dangerous developed nations in which to give birth. Besides the increasing rates of preterm birth, each year, 22,000 babies die in the U.S., that is two babies an hour. The rates of maternal death and severe pregnancy complications also are unacceptably high. Approximately every 12 hours a woman dies due to complications resulting from pregnancy (more than 60 percent of these deaths are preventable) and thousands of others face life-threatening health challenges.
“Every American should be alarmed about the state of maternal and infant health in this country, because it is an issue that touches each one of us. This is one crisis, not two. The health of moms and babies is powerfully linked, and we need to start treating it as such,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “This crisis is about the moms and babies we have lost, and those who face serious health challenges. It’s not fine. But with your help, it can be. Join us this Prematurity Awareness Month in the fight for all moms and babies.”
In Georgia, the March of Dimes is making a positive impact on maternal and child health through advocacy, education, community programs and collaborations with other Maternal Child Health stakeholders across the state.
Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support.