Goal 2: Advance birth equity, with a focus on Black Maternal and Infant Health, by ensuring a healthy care continuum across pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods with enhanced linkages to care
Ensuring World-Class Health Systems for All Marylanders
Infant Mortality Rate
Current Value
6.2
Definition
This measure shows the all mortality rate for all causes among Maryland infants less than 1 year old. The rate is calculated as the number of deaths per 1,000 live births.
Story Behind the Curve
Data Definition and Methodology: This measure shows the all mortality rate for all causes among Maryland infants less than 1 year old. The rate is calculated as the number of deaths per 1,000 live births.
Data for this measure comes from the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration.
Public Health Significance: The infant mortality rate is an important marker of the overall health of a society. Although the rate of infant deaths has fallen over the past decade, there are disparities by race/ethnicity, income, and geographic location.
Almost 20,000 infants died in the United States in 2021. The five leading causes of infant death in 2021 were:
- Birth defects
- Preterm birth and low birth weight
- Sudden infant death syndrome
- Injuries (e.g., suffocation)
- Maternal pregnancy complications
Additional Resources: