While the rate of preterm birth in the US has declined steadily over the last few years, there still remains a heartbreaking racial disparity in poor birth outcomes. In 2012 the preterm birth rate was 11.54% overall, but the rate for non-Hispanic blacks was 16.8%, according to the March of Dimes. Although this figure has declined since it peaked at 18.5% in 2006, the rate of preterm birth among non-Hispanic blacks is still 1.5 times that of non-Hispanic whites.
There are a number of biological and social factors that contribute to this disparity, so finding a solution to the prematurity problem will surely take time and a great deal of work. Here’s hoping that our recent successes are indicative of a lasting trend of ongoing improvement!
The LRN Group 