The United States saw its infant mortality rate drop to an unprecedented low in 2025, based on preliminary data from the government. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported slightly under 5.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births that year. This represents a subtle yet statistically significant decrease from about 5.5 in 2024 and 5.6 in the preceding years.
These reductions translate into hundreds fewer infant deaths annually, although pinpointing specific causes for these recent improvements remains challenging. Dr. Michael Warren of the March of Dimes called this trend “encouraging” and expressed hope for continued progress.
Infant mortality reflects the number of babies who do not survive their first year. Given the variation in births annually, researchers use rates to facilitate comparisons over time. The absolute numbers also show a downward trend. Provisional CDC data indicated around 19,350 infant deaths last year, expected to be lower than approximately 20,050 in 2024 and 20,160 in 2023.
Decades ago, the U.S. infant mortality rate hovered at 7.5 per 1,000 births, gradually declining due to advances in medical care and public health initiatives. However, the rate lags behind other high-income countries, largely due to poverty, insufficient prenatal care, and other socioeconomic issues.
In 2022, the U.S. saw a significant rise in infant mortality rates, attributed to increased RSV and flu infections. In response, health officials advocated two preventive measures: an antibody shot for infants and RSV vaccinations for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks.
The March of Dimes cited safe sleeping education as a factor in reducing sudden infant death syndrome.
The CDC shared provisional 2025 data in May, while more detailed 2024 analyses emerged later.
Key insights from the 2024 report include:
- Death rates decreased for infants below 28 days and older infants. These trends continued according to 2025 data.
- Infant mortality rates showed significant racial disparities. Rates for infants born to Black women were over twice those for infants of Hispanic, White, and Asian American women.
- A noteworthy decline occurred in mortality rates for infants born full-term (39 to 40 weeks), while rates for other gestational age groups remained stable.
- Mississippi recorded the highest mortality rate, 9.65 per 1,000 births, contrasted by New Hampshire’s lowest rate, just below 3 per 1,000.
Dr. Warren highlighted various factors influencing these disparities, including access to care, community influences, and policies targeting health improvements.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, though it independently controls its content.