Analysis of Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality Rates Among Black and White Infants

By
Monica J. Alexander
Rohan Alexander
Leslie Root
September 22, 2026

Jama Network Open

Background

Infant mortality remains a critical public health issue, particularly in the U.S., where Black infants experience mortality rates over twice that of their White counterparts. Recent trends indicate an increase in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) rates among non-Hispanic Black infants.

Data Highlights

Population	Live Births	Infant Deaths	IMR (deaths per 1000 live births)
Non-Hispanic Black	57,870,726	141,651	10.7
Non-Hispanic White	57,870,726	224,733	4.3

Key Findings

The Black infant mortality rate (IMR) decreased from 13.2 to 10.7 deaths per 1000 live births from 2003 to 2024.
The White IMR decreased from 5.6 to 4.3 deaths per 1000 live births during the same period.
Preterm birth rates were higher among non-Hispanic Black infants (16.9%) compared to non-Hispanic White infants (10.5%).
The disparity ratio for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) increased from 2.2 in 2017 to 2.8 in 2020.
Using the Kitagawa method, the study quantified the contributions of age composition and rate effects to the IMR disparity.
Statistical significance was determined using 95% confidence intervals, with values excluding 1.00 indicating significant differences.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the persistent racial disparities in infant mortality and the factors contributing to these differences. Addressing preterm birth rates and understanding the implications of SUID are crucial for improving outcomes in affected populations.

Conclusion

The analysis underscores the need for continued focus on racial disparities in infant mortality, particularly in light of recent trends indicating a widening gap. Targeted interventions may be necessary to address the underlying causes of these disparities.