WLBT3: Mississippi ranks last in infant and maternal health, March of Dimes report finds

WLBT3: Mississippi ranks last in infant and maternal health, March of Dimes report finds

A new March of Dimes report card gives Mississippi an F grade, finding that the state faces the nation's highest risk of babies being born too early or dying before their first birthday, driven largely by high preterm birth and infant mortality rates. Dr. Norman Connell, an OB hospitalist in Mississippi, emphasized the human stakes behind the statistics, noting the numbers represent real mothers even as they help guide policy. Dr. Lisa Bukovac of Ob Hospitalist Group pushed back on the ranking as the full picture, pointing to meaningful improvements the state has made. Honour Hill of March of Dimes added that access challenges extend nationwide, with counties across the country continuing to lose OB services even as some states work to improve, underscoring the need for continued progress.

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