Atlanta, Ga. — Georgia’s infant mortality rate increase is one of the highest in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s reporting on the CDC’s findings, “Georgia’s infant mortality increase last year was one of the four worst in the nation, with about seven babies dying for every 1,000 births.”
“In Georgia, 892 infants died in 2022, 116 more infant deaths than the year before. U.S. infant deaths surpassed 20,500 in 2022 — 610 more than the year before nationwide. Black babies had the highest rate of death in the U.S., 10.86 per 1,000 births.”
According to the CDC data, over 30 states saw slight rises in infant mortality rates in 2022, but only four states, including Georgia, saw significant increases. Georgia’s overall infant mortality increased 13% in 2022, compared to 3% nationwide.
In a new statement, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff sounded the alarm on the CDC’s report:
“Georgia’s infant mortality rate is a crisis. This week’s CDC announcement should ring alarm bells statewide. It is imperative that policymakers at all levels and health care professionals statewide work urgently together to save the lives of Georgia’s newborn babies.”
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