Topline:
In 2022, the CDC says the infant mortality rate nationwide increased by 3%, the first increase in two decades. In California, the rate ticked up 1%, with 1,724 dying that year.
Where are the increases coming from? The CDC report found the most significant increases were due to maternal complications and bacterial meningitis.
What have the rates been historically? Infant mortality rates have been declining nationally and in California, though remain higher than many other countries. Experts say that’s partly due to socioeconomic factors like poverty and poor access to healthcare.
For context: The news comes as maternal mortality rates have also been increased, especially among Black birthing parents, and spiked from 2020 to 2021.
Learn more about a healthy pregnancy: Here's our guide.
