Lawmakers consider ways to address Mississippi’s high infant mortality rate

Out of every 1,000 births, 9.7 Mississippi babies die before their first birthday, the highest rate in more than a decade.

Lawmakers recently held a joint hearing focused on Mississippi’s infant mortality rate as experts offered solutions ranging from more government intervention to cash payments for mothers and children.

During the nearly four-hour hearing, members of the committee were informed that Mississippi leads the nation in infant mortality. Out of every 1,000 births, 9.7 babies die before their first birthday, the highest rate in more than a decade. The national average is 5.5 deaths per 1,000.

In August, Mississippi health officials declared a public emergency over the state’s rising infant mortality rate.

Mississippi Department of Health data shows black infants are three t