A Call to Strengthen Infant and Maternal Care

December 12, 2024

A new report from March of Dimes indicates that preterm births in Pennsylvania—while lower than the national average—remain high, with significant disparities among racial and ethnic groups.

The 2024 March of Dimes Report Card outlines the difficulties states face in improving maternal and infant health outcomes and emphasizes the urgency of prioritizing the health of moms and babies.

“Every baby deserves the chance for a healthy start, yet the data continues to show unacceptable health outcomes for far too many families,” said Cindy Rahman, March of Dimes interim president and CEO.

Here are five things to know

• Preterm births:  The preterm birth rate in Pennsylvania was 9.7 percent in 2023 (slightly higher than 2022), compared to 10.4 percent nationwide.
• Racial inequities:  Pennsylvania’s preterm birth rate for Black patients is 13.8 percent, compared to 8.7 percent for white patients, and the infant mortality rate among babies born to black people in Pennsylvania is 1.8x the state rate.
• Chronic conditions:  People with chronic health conditions, such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes or an unhealthy weight are more likely to have a preterm birth.
• Pennsylvania’s ranking:  With a lower ranking indicating better outcomes, the commonwealth ranks 22nd for infant mortality rate ranking and 16th for preterm birth.
• Quotable:  “As a clinician, I know the profound impact that comprehensive prenatal care has on pregnancy outcomes for mom and baby,” said Dr. Amanda P. Williams, interim chief medical officer at March of Dimes. “Yet too many families, especially those from our most vulnerable communities are not receiving the support they need to ensure healthy pregnancy and births. The health of the mom and baby are intricately intertwined. If we can address chronic health conditions and help ensure all moms have access to quality prenatal, care, we can help every family get the best positive start.”

The national and Pennsylvania report cards are available online.

HAP and Pennsylvania hospitals are focused on improving maternal and infant health quality, equity, and access. HAP’s member Task Force on Maternal and Child Health has met throughout 2024 to develop recommendations that will be shared via an early 2025 report.