Premature Birthrates in America for 2014

By Tim Schmidt, CEO

Introduction

Over the course of his career, Tim Schmidt has worked as CEO at a number of hospitals and health facilities. He recently served as interim CEO for Sparks Health System. Tim Schmidt is currently vice president of healthcare operations for Medistar. Outside of his work in the health industry, Tim Schmidt contributes to charities such as March of Dimes.

By visiting www.marchofdimes.org, individuals can view a national report card grading the United States in regard to premature births.

Birth Rates

As of 2014, roughly 450,000 babies in America, or about one in nine babies, are born too early, a figure that ranks well above average compared to other high-income countries and has resulted in an overall grade of C for the United States.

Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama finished 2014 with failing grades according to the National Center for Health Statistics, indicating premature birthrates of 14.6 percent or higher.

Conclusion

These three states were joined by South Carolina and Florida, states receiving a D grade, which equates to a premature birthrate between 12.9 and 14.5 percent. Nineteen states finished the year with a C, the national average, while 21 states ended the year with a B. Only five states in America, including Maine, Oregon, and California, were graded with an A, meaning premature birthrates came in at 9.6 percent or lower.