Racial disparities in neonatal health are well documented. In the United States in 2019, the Black infant death rate was 10.6 per 1000 live births—more than double the rate of 4.5 in White infants. Between 2017 and 2019, the leading cause of Black infant mortality, preterm birth, was 52% higher in Black than in White infants. Among those born preterm, Black infants have higher rates of common morbidities. Although the incompletely characterized determinants of these disparities are multifactorial and complex, interpersonal and structural racism are key drivers.
Clinical Practice Guidelines