A Question of Color

A TRAGIC FACT OF LIFE IN THE U.S. IS THAT BLACK children under the age of one die at twice the rate of white infants. Much of the disparity in mortality can be traced to the large number of African-American babies who are born underweight, particularly those weighing less than 1,500 grams, or 3.3 lbs. As one might expect, figuring out why this occurs requires a closer look at maternal health. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, very nearly all the excess mortality is directly related to four common pregnancy problems. Infection or rupture of the amniotic membranes accounted for 38% of the increase in underweight births. Premature labor accounted for 21%. High blood pressure contributed 12%, and uterine bleeding 10%. All these conditions are treatable -- which suggests that the key to diminishing infant mortality in the U.S. lies in improving the overall health of women.

CHART: NOT AVAILABLE

CREDIT: [TMFONT 1 d #666666 d {Sources: World Health Organization}]National Center for Health Statistics

CAPTION: INFANT MORTALITY RATES