Neonatal Death

DEFINITION

Death of an infant within 28 days of birth, per 1,000 live births between 2016-2017.23

OKLAHOMA

Data Highlight: 2.7 per 1,000 live births Oklahoma ranks 32 (of 51) states and territories in neonatal NATIONAL AVERAGE death. New Hampshire has the best outcomes related to neonatal 2.4 per 1,000 live births death, at 1.4 per 1,000 live births, and Utah has the poorest outcomes, reporting 4.8 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births. 23

Why We Care:

Neonatal death, the death of an infant within 28 days of birth, is a tragedy. Neonatal death is commonly caused by complications the baby faces after a premature birth, due to low birthweight, or because of birth defects. 91 While birth defects are rarely preventable, premature birth and low birthweight can be prevented. When women can access health care regularly, begin pregnancy in a healthier state, and receive earlier (in the first trimester) more consistent prenatal care, babies are born closer to term at healthier weights. 91,92 Currently, when compared to the other states and Washington D.C., Oklahoma ranks 32th for neonatal death. 23 Over the years Oklahoma has improved its ranking, but there is still more to be done.

What We Can Do:

- Expand Medicaid so women are covered before giving birth, increasing the likelihood they will begin pregnancies in better health and their babies will be healthier - Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates so doctors do not feel as limited by the cost of care they can provide

Lookbook Vol. 2

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