The U.S. has the highest first-day death rate in the industrialized world, worse than 68 other countries, and the highest teenage birth rate of any industrialized country, according to a report released by Save the Children.
An estimated 11,300 American newborns die every year on the same day they were born - amounting to 50 percent more first-day deaths than all other industrialized countries combined - even though most of them could be saved with fairly cheap interventions.
Four products costing between 13 cents and $6 each - simple bag-and-mask devices to help babies breathe, the antiseptic chlorhexidine to prevent umbilical cord infections, antibiotics to treat infections, and steroid injections to delay preterm labor - could save one million newborns a year, according to the report.
"Teenage mothers in the U.S. tend to be poorer, less educated, and receive less prenatal care than older mothers," the report says. "Because of these challenges, babies born to teen mothers are more likely to be low-birthweight and be born prematurely and die in their first month. They are also more likely to suffer chronic medical conditions, do poorly in school, and give birth during their teen years."
High-quality care before, during and after pregnancy and access to the appropriate level of care at the time of delivery can also result in healthier moms giving birth to healthier babies. Home visits by nurses or community health workers are common in Europe, but very unusual in the United States. Read the full story here:
More US babies die on their first day than in 68 other countries, report shows
Everyone knows teen pregnancies often place great stress on the teen and the teen’s family, but here is evidence that teen pregnancy also poses tremendous risk for the baby.
If you believe your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, please call to investigate your matter fully. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.