Infant Mortality in the United States. Here I briefly present the infant mortality rate (IMR) in the United States. First, I discuss the specific causes of infant death, then the contributing factors that put babies at risk. Then, the distribution of the various IMRs is studied from one state to another. States with the ten highest infant mortality rates are examined, including possible reasons for a higher IMR. Additionally, the states with the ten lowest IMRs are mentioned. In conclusion, I consider preventative measures to minimize the number of babies who die each year. Return to table of contents Introduction Every eight seconds, a baby is born in the United States (US), and in one hour, four babies die ( 1). The infant mortality rate (IMR) measures the death rate of babies before their first birthday and is calculated per 1,000 live births. According to government figures, 7.2 babies out of 1,000 born in 1996 died (2, p 6). Although this figure has been steadily declining each year and is 406% lower than the 1950 figure (3), the United States' IMR is still higher than that of twenty-four other countries (1). More importantly, the IMR of black American citizens is more than twice that of white citizens (6.3 and 14.6 respectively) (4, p. 9). The National Commission for the Prevention of Infant Mortality even describes certain regions as “disaster zones” (5, p 18). What are the leading causes of infant mortality and which regions of the United States are most affected? What preventive measures can ensure a child's first birthday? These questions are addressed here. In addition, certain national geography standards are met.Return to table of contentsApplicable national standardsIn 199...... middle of article......Rawlings, James S.; Rawlings, Virginia B.; Read, John A. “Prevalence of Low Birth Weight and Preterm Delivery in Relation to Interpregnancy Interval Among White and Black Women.” The New England Journal of Medicine, Vol 332, No 2, 1995, p 69-75. Scott, J. "Black infant mortality rate 2 ½ times higher than white." Los Angeles Times, November 15, 1991, 110 (347), A35. Steinbrook, R. “Birth Weight-Related Deaths of Black Infants.” Los Angeles Times, 111 (184), June 4, 1992, A26. “Ten Leading Causes of Infant Mortality,” Infant Health Statistics. 1997. http://www.mofimes.org/stats/ten.htm (April 11, 1998). Ventura, Stephanie J.; Kimberly D. Peters; Joyce A. Martin; Jeffrey D. Maurer. Monthly Vital Statistics Report, Vol.46, No. 1 Supplement 2, September 11, 1997, p 6.http://www.cdc.gov/nchswww/products/pubs/pubd/mvsr/supp/ 46-45/46 -45.htm (April 11 1998).