HYDE-SMITH INTRODUCES NATIONAL INFANT MORTALITY AWARENESS MONTH RESOLUTION

HYDE-SMITH INTRODUCES NATIONAL INFANT MORTALITY AWARENESS MONTH RESOLUTION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week introduced a Senate resolution designating September as "National Infant Mortality Awareness Month" to raise greater public awareness of the problem and support for efforts to reduce such tragedies.

The resolution, among other things, highlights several programs like the Newborn Supply Kit that are being deployed to reduce the rates of infant mortality, which is defined as the death of an infant before his or her first birthday. The United States has among the highest rates of such deaths among industrialized nations.

"Infant mortality is not only a heartbreaking tragedy for families; it is also a serious warning about the overall health of our society," said Hyde-Smith, chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus. "Designating September as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on this issue and renew our commitment to saving more babies' lives."

The resolution states the Senate's support for efforts to educate the public about infant mortality and work to reduce infant deaths, low birth weight, pre-term births, and disparities in perinatal outcomes. It also cites the critical importance of prevention and wellness strategies that incorporate actions to reduce infant mortality and address the factors contributing to these losses.

The resolution, cosponsored by U.S. Senator John Ossoff (D-Ga.), is supported by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), National Healthy Start, March of Dimes, and American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs.

"Every infant loss represents a devastated family, a grieving community, and a future cut short. Far too many families in our state know the heartbreak of losing a baby before their first birthday. We cannot and will not accept this as normal. We are committed to saving lives, supporting families, and ensuring every Mississippi baby has the chance to grow up healthy and strong. Through partnerships, education, and quality care, we are working every day to reduce infant mortality and build a healthier future for our children," said MSDH State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney.

In May, Hyde-Smith again cosponsored the More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act (S.1630), which would increase access to resources and assistance for women during the typically challenging phases of motherhood: prenatal, postpartum, and early childhood development.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the U.S. infant mortality rate in 2022 was 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, the MSDH in August declared a public health emergency to combat the rising infant mortality rate in the Magnolia State. MSDH indicated that 2024 data show the overall infant mortality rate in Mississippi increased to 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, the highest rate in more than a decade.

For five years, the University of Mississippi Medical Center's STORK program has strived to train more health providers and emergency responders with emergency obstetric training, which is important because a majority of rural hospitals in Mississippi lack labor and delivery services.

Read the National Infant Mortality Awareness Month resolution here.

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