Ohio has made progress in reducing its infant mortality numbers, achieving the lowest rate in a decade of reporting this data, according to early childhood advocates. Despite this improvement, the state’s rate of infant deaths remains above the national average, and communities of color continue to experience significantly higher mortality rates.
The most recent state data showed 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, a decrease from previous years. However, this figure is still higher than the national overall infant mortality rate of 5.36 per 1,000 live births, as reported by the CDC. Caitlin Feasby, managing director of policy at the child advocacy group Groundwork Ohio, stated during a recent panel discussion that Ohio's progress on infant mortality was intentional and hard-won.
Despite overall gains, persistent disparities affect babies and mothers of color, according to data from Groundwork Ohio and research from local experts. The infant mortality rate for white infants in Ohio is 5.1 deaths per 1,000 live births. In stark contrast, the rate for Black infants is 12.6 per 1,000 births, more than 2.5 times higher than that of white infants. Hispanic babies experience a rate of 6.7 per 1,000 live births.
Experts working directly with pregnant individuals and new mothers indicate that the state still needs to improve patient-centered care and increase education on available resources. Christine Sander, senior director of community wellness at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and director of the Ohio Better Birth Outcomes Collaborative, noted that issues identified by women of color have remained consistent over many years and are now resonating with hospitals and stakeholders.
Listening sessions with various community groups have repeatedly highlighted a critical problem: a lack of respect during care. Maleka James, infant mortality initiatives manager at Dayton Children’s Hospital, emphasized that women desire to feel heard, respected, and included in decisions about their own care, adding that "access alone is not enough." James also said community members reported feeling dismissed by providers and observing racism in healthcare settings, which added to existing maternal health stress.
Richard Stacklin, a senior director for the early childhood advocacy group First Year Cleveland, pointed out that Black Ohioans having children in Cuyahoga County face an infant mortality rate more than three times higher than white infants in the same county. He added that even before birth, parents reported negative interactions with medical professionals, stating that during the birthing process, "women were not heard." Stacklin cited instances where women felt disrespected and their religious beliefs were not considered.
Advocates statewide are calling on Ohio lawmakers to take further action to address infant mortality rates, particularly within marginalized communities and areas. State budget decisions have impacted funding for related programs. The most recent state operating budget reduced funding for “infant vitality,” a budget line-item, from the Ohio House’s proposed $20 million to $18 million per year for two years, after negotiations. This figure is slightly up from $16.8 million in 2025 funding.
Funding for maternal health programs provided by community and local faith-based service providers also saw a decrease, settling at $5 million in the budget, down from the governor’s proposed $7.5 million. A $1 million provision for non-medical services at residential infant care centers was removed entirely before the budget was finalized. A Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, however, maintained $5 million in the final budget.
Federal funding cuts have also affected infant and maternal mortality initiatives, particularly for Medicaid-eligible Ohioans in rural areas. Financial losses resulting from these changes have led to maternity ward closures or risks of closure for entire facilities in rural hospitals, reducing care options for pregnant individuals. Research released this year indicated that hospitals in Ohio and at least 36 other states face billions in reduced payments for services due to Medicaid funding changes approved by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, with Ohio’s Medicaid program estimated to lose $33 million over 10 years.
Looking to potential state solutions, Stacklin highlighted Ohio Senate Bill 396. This bill proposes establishing up to 18 weeks of family and medical leave insurance benefits and would also provide resources and education on family and medical leave. Stacklin urged that if the state truly cares about its mothers and babies, it should establish policies that protect the most vulnerable during critical times. Despite having bipartisan co-sponsors, Senate Bill 396 has not seen any legislative action since its referral to the Senate Financial Institutions, Insurance, and Technology Committee in March. With the current General Assembly ending in December, the bill faces an uphill battle and would need re-introduction in the new year if it does not pass soon.
