Infant and Maternal Mortality

December 03, 2019

Indiana’s infant mortality rate is the highest in the Midwest and the seventh worst in the nation, according to data from 2017. And it’s not just our babies that have these concerning statistics, our mothers have a high mortality rate too – almost double the national average. Why are we losing babies and mothers at higher rates than other states?

Health officials and legislators across the state are making efforts to curb the infant and maternal mortality rates in Indiana. Education and connection to resources are threads at the heart of several solutions, but the contributing factors to these statistics can be complicated. Mothers and babies of color face increased rates of mortality, and mothers in some rural areas have to travel across counties to access prenatal care.

Today on All IN we talk to experts and advocates about these factors, and some of the efforts to address them.

Produced by Maggie Gelon.

Guests:

Dr. Indy Lane
Obstetrician-gynecologist, Community Health Network

Kelli Brien
Doula, founder of Mahogany Maternity

Dr. Mary Abernathy
Obstetrician-gynecologist, Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine

Dr. Kris Box
Indiana State Health Commissioner