U.S. Ranks Low On Newborn Survival

Report Finds One Of Highest Infant Death Rates Among Developed Nations

(CBS/AP) 

In the United States, about half a million babies are born prematurely each year, data show. African-American babies are twice as likely as white infants to be premature, to have a low birth weight, and to die at birth, according to Save the Children.

The lack of national health insurance and short maternity leaves in the U.S. can lead to poor health care before and during pregnancy, increasing risks for premature births and low birth weight, which are the leading causes of newborn death in industrialized countries. Infections are the main culprit in developing nations, the report said.

On the group's "Mother's Index," which ranks health and wellness conditions for mothers and children in 125 countries, the United States ties with Great Britain for 10th in 2006. Ranked higher are Sweden, Australia and Canada. Burkina Faso and Niger rank last.

In past reports by Save the Children, U.S. mothers' well-being has consistently ranked far ahead of those in developing countries but poorly among industrialized nations. This year the United States tied for last place with the United Kingdom on indicators including mortality risks and contraception use.

According to the report, across the globe infections account for 36 percent of newborn deaths, prematurity explains a further 27 percent, and complications from birth asphyxia cause another 23 percent.

While the gaps for infants and mothers contrast sharply with the nation's image as a world leader, Emory University health policy expert Kenneth Thorpe said the numbers are not surprising.

"Our health care system focuses on providing high-tech services for complicated cases. We do this very well," Thorpe said. "What we do not do is provide basic primary and preventive health care services. We do not pay for these services, and do not have a delivery system that is designed to provide either primary prevention, or adequately treat patients with chronic diseases."