Infant mortality is highest among babies born to teens

Teen mothers ages 15-17 had the highest rate of infant mortality, according to a new CDC report. The report, which looked at data between 2017-2018, found that the infant mortality rate in this age group was around 9 deaths per 1,000 live births, which was almost twice the rate of infant mortality in women ages 30-34 (who had the lowest infant mortality rates). Black teens who gave birth experienced the highest infant mortality rates — more than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births — compared to other races. Infants born to Black teens were also more likely to die from any of the top five leading causes of infant deaths, including disorders related to low birthweight. The only exception was deaths from SIDS, which was highest among infants born to white mothers in their teens.