The March of Dimes released its 2024 Report Card giving Arkansas an “F” grade for its current state of maternal and infant health.
According to the report, Arkansas has the highest infant mortality rate and one of the highest preterm birth rates in the country. In 2023, Arkansas’s infant mortality rate was 7.7%, and 12.1% of babies in Arkansas were born preterm. Both figures are significantly above the national average, placing Arkansas mothers and newborns at great risk.
Preterm births increase the likelihood of serious health complications for infants, including breathing issues, developmental delays, and long-term disabilities, while also posing financial and emotional burdens on families and communities.
“Arkansas’s failing grade on the March of Dimes report card is a stark reminder that we must take immediate action to address our state’s maternal and infant health crisis,” said Ashley Bearden Campbell, executive director of Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM). “Our mothers and babies deserve access to high-quality healthcare, resources and support. This grade highlights that we must do more to ensure healthy outcomes for our youngest Arkansans.”
AIM urges policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to immediately prioritize improvements in maternal and infant healthcare. Key areas of focus should include expanding access to prenatal care, addressing disparities that impact preterm birth rates and increasing funding for maternal health programs across the state.
“The health of our mothers and infants must be a top priority,” continued Campbell. “We are calling on our community leaders and elected officials to invest in solutions that will make a measurable difference in reducing preterm births in Arkansas. By working together, we can build a healthier, safer and more supportive environment for all families.”
To read the full March of Dimes report, visit https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/arkansas/report-card