SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabama has once again ranked near the bottom of national maternal and infant health outcomes, earning an F on the newly released March of Dimes 2025 Report Card. The report, published Monday on World Prematurity Day, shows that dWespite some progress, the state continues to struggle with high preterm birth rates, inadequate prenatal care, and persistent racial disparities.
According to March of Dimes, Alabama recorded a 12.7% preterm birth rate in 2024, placing the state 49th out of 52jurisdictions, including all states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. A total of 7,379 babies were born preterm, a slight improvement from the previous year. Alabama also saw progress in lowering low-risk Cesarean births and maternal mortality.
But the state continues to face some of the nation’s steepest challenges. Alabama maintains one of the highest infant mortality rates in the U.S., with 7.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, along with a 19.3% rate of inadequate prenatal care. Racial disparities remain deeply entrenched: babies born to Black mothers face an 18.4% preterm birth rate, compared to 11.5% for White mothers.
Nationwide Trends Paint a Troubling Picture
The report also highlights the broader maternal and infant health crisis affecting families across the United States. Nationally, the country received a D+, marking the fourth consecutive year at its lowest-ever grade for preterm birth. The national preterm birth rate of 10.4% shows no improvement from previous years.
The data reveals significant disparities by insurance type and race. Babies born to Medicaid-insured mothers have a preterm birth rate of 11.7%, compared to 9.6% for those privately insured. Preterm birth rates among babies born to Black moms reached 14.7%, now 1.5 times higher than for babies in other racial groups.)
Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, emphasized the urgency of addressing these trends. “As a clinician who has seen how much is possible when we get it right, the data is deeply frustrating,” he said, noting that long-known risk factors—such as chronic disease and unequal access to care—continue to drive disparities. “We must deepen our commitment to research, expand maternity care access, and push for better policies that protect our nation’s moms and babies.”
Efforts to Expand Care in Alabama
March of Dimes says it is tackling these issues through expanded research and community outreach. The organization is growing its Prematurity Research Centers and deploying Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers® to reach families in areas with limited or no maternity care.
Honour Hill, March of Dimes’ Director of Maternal and Infant Health in Alabama, said improving access remains a top priority. “In too many parts of our state, families struggle to access high-quality, consistent prenatal and postpartum care,” Hill said. “We’re partnering with Alabama Medicaid, hospitals, and local leaders to make care more available and equitable so every Alabama family has the chance for a healthy start.”
(Source: March of Dimes Alabama statement)