Ohio Infant Mortality Rate Falls to 6.6 per 1,000 Births, Black Infants Still Die at 2.5 Times White Rate
Ohio's infant mortality rate dropped to 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, the lowest in a decade, but remains above the national average of 5.36. Black infants die at a rate of 12.6 per 1,000 births — more than 2.5 times the white infant rate of 5.1 — and providers report systemic disrespect and racism in care delivery. The state's latest biennial budget allocated $18 million annually for infant vitality programs, down from the House's proposed $20 million, and $5 million for maternal health programs, down from the governor's $7.5 million request. Advocates cite recent federal Medicaid funding cuts — estimated to cost Ohio $33 million over 10 years — as contributing to rural maternity ward closures and reduced access for Medicaid-eligible pregnant individuals.