U.S. leads in infant mortality rates

A CDC report finds that a higher rate of premature births is the reason the U.S. has a higher rate of infant mortality than most European countries. The report cites maternal obesity and smoking, too-early induced labor and cesarean sections, fertility treatments, and low-income women's lack of access to quality prenatal care as the driving forces behind high premature birth rates in the U.S.
During the health care debate women’s reproductive health has been used as a political football. The simple fact is that pro-choice groups have continually pushed to ensure women’s reproductive health care is standard health care while anti-choice organizations have attempted repeatedly to block any reform if abortion is covered. Without meaningful health care reform which can aid low-income women, address health issues that affect women, and put an end to treating cesarean sections as pre-existing conditions we cannot help reverse the infant mortality rate in the US.
We need to ensure every wanted pregnancy is cared for all the way to a healthy delivery and the mother and child have access to health care so they can both be healthy and strong. Meaningful health care reform reflects a society that truly respects and values life.