Far too many Ohio babies don't live to celebrate their first birthday

Amelia Robinson, The Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read
1
Michel'e Miller holds her new baby while she ties the shoes of her son, as her daughter stretches out on the couch in July 2019. She was enrolled in a program that seeks to reduce infant morality by helping homeless pregnant women and new moms find stable housing.[Eric Albrecht/Dispatch]
Michel'e Miller holds her new baby while she ties the shoes of her son, as her daughter stretches out on the couch in July 2019. She was enrolled in a program that seeks to reduce infant morality by helping homeless pregnant women and new moms find stable housing.[Eric Albrecht/Dispatch]

The U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision overturning Roe v. Wade and the start of Ohio's highly restrictive abortion law has shined much needed light on the welfare of children.

That includes the tragic fate of far too many babies born in Ohio and around the nation.

More: More women will die 'horribly, always needlessly' in post-Roe America |Opinion

The United States has one of the highest infant mortality rates among developed nations — that is babies that die before their first birthdays.

Only Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, South Dakota, North Carolina, Kansas, and Indiana have higher rates of infant deaths than Ohio, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  

In 2020, 5.4 infants died in the United States for per 1,000 live births,

The rate for Non-Hispanic Black babies is even higher.

More: Pro-lifer: 'I am prepared to stay in it for the long haul.' Work for babies, moms not over

In 2019, it was 10.6 per every 100,000 live births compared to 4.5 for Non-Hispanic white babies per 100,000 live births, the CDC says. 

The next most venerable babies were Non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander at 8.2 death per 100,000 live births. The rate for Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska natives was 7.9.

Causes include birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, injuries, and maternal pregnancy complications.

More: Opinion: Biden's plan will will help save the lives of babies in Columbus

In Ohio, Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Stark, and Summit counties have been targeted as bearing the highest burden of infant deaths.

Maureen L. Stapleton is the executive director of CelebrateOne, the city of Columbus’ initiative to reduce infant mortality.
Maureen L. Stapleton is the executive director of CelebrateOne, the city of Columbus’ initiative to reduce infant mortality.

Maureen L. Stapleton, executive director of CelebrateOne, points to the role dad's can play in bringing down the infant mortality rate.

More: Columbus must debunk myths about fatherhood |Opinion

She writes: "Being a parent is a unique and demanding challenge no matter the circumstances, and although men don’t have to experience the same physical changes associated with pregnancy, the birth of a child will always remain a transcendent moment in their lives. When fathers are involved, it helps the entire family.

I call upon the Columbus community and our local service providers to help debunk the myths, empower all fathers to become better fathers and do what we can to uplift anyone who is committed to being an active, positive and encouraging influence in our children’s lives." 

Bradley Jackson is the chief medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicaid Health Plan in Ohio.
Bradley Jackson is the chief medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicaid Health Plan in Ohio.

Bradley Jackson,  chief medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicaid Health Plan in Ohio, points to racial inequalities.

More: An alarming number of Ohio babies dies before first birthday. We must change that| Opinion

He writes: "We know babies of Black moms, and Black moms themselves, are more likely to die in pregnancy.

Infant mortality rates in Northeast Ohio are three to five times higher for Black babies than white babies.

In Franklin County, the infant mortality rate for Back babies is 2.5 times higher than for white babies."

Write a letter: How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

New guest columns today

From contributing columnist D'Aurora: "Bishop gave priests 'oppressive,' Godfather-like offer they had to refuse"

From former Republican and Columbus resident Tom Laakso: "Don't fall for fake 'outsider.' Vance using Ohio to make himself bigger"

From Brian Wenke of the It Gets Better Project: "Ohio leaders 'are twisting parents' fears into fodder for political gain"  

What's on your mind?

Let me know your thoughts on the topics mentioned above or any others in a letter to the editor of 200 words or less emailed to Letters@Dispatch.com.

Include your name, address and daytime phone number. The address and number are needed for verification and won't be published.

If someone sent you this email, make sure you subscribe to this newsletter to never miss the Conversation. 

More: How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

And while I am at it, join the Columbus Dispatch Conversation Facebook group.

It is a place to share in meaningful discussions.

Please consider subscribing to this newsletter if you are not already.

Thanks for reading,

Amelia

Email: arobinson2@dispatch.com

Twitter: @1AmeliaRobinson

Facebook: Amelia Robinson 

Columbus Dispatch editorial page editor and community engagement editor Amelia Robinson outside the 62 E. Broad St. newsroom on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.
Columbus Dispatch editorial page editor and community engagement editor Amelia Robinson outside the 62 E. Broad St. newsroom on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Far too many Ohio babies don't live to celebrate their first birthday