CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The latest available data shows infant mortality in the United States has increased by 3% over just one year. But overall, one racial group still experiences the highest rate.
The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the latest data from 2022. It confirms an increase in the infant mortality rate for the first time in 20 years.
The number one group that still experiences the highest rate of death is Black infants.
SOURCES:
WHAT WE FOUND:
The CDC shows a 3% increase in infant mortality from 2021 to 2022.
"The latest data shows us that for an industrialized country, we still have a lot of work to do," Dr. Goje said.
According to the CDC, Black infant mortality is also creeping up.
Black newborns die at more than double the rate of white newborns.
Goje said there are several contributing factors, for example, an increase in chronic health conditions among Black women before pregnancy, like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
In the Carolinas, the overall infant mortality numbers are moving in the right direction. The death rate decreased in North Carolina and South Carolina from 2021 to 2022.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.