Infant mortality remains a growing concern in Oklahoma, according to pediatrician Dr. Scott Cyrus. He said more than 340 babies died in the state in 2023.

"This is a tremendous problem," Cyrus said. "We've gone from 6.8 lives per 1,000 to 7.1, which is up about 6%. We're going in the wrong direction, and it's very concerning."

Disparities and Contributing Factors

Cyrus said disparities play a significant role in infant deaths, particularly for families with limited access to prenatal care and physicians in rural areas.

"When you have less access to prenatal care, when you have less access to physicians in general, that makes a difference," he said. "Alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs are all areas we have control of and can change."

Leading Causes of Infant Deaths

The top causes of i

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