A recent study conducted by the Birth Injury Lawyers Group identified the top 10 best and worst states for childbirth in 2024, based on nine criteria such as health care and child care costs, maternal and infant mortality rates, and postpartum expenses. The study assigned scores to each state ranging from 40 to 100, with North Dakota emerging as the best state for childbirth due to its low mortality rates and health care systems. Utah and South Dakota followed closely behind with high scores for affordable child care and low mortality rates.
On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi received the lowest score of 40, earning it the title of the worst state for childbirth. The state was ranked poorly due to high infant and maternal mortality rates, as well as the elevated cost of health care. South Carolina also fared poorly with an overall score of 41.50, primarily due to high infant mortality rates and expensive child care costs. Tennessee was ranked just above South Carolina, with high mortality rates for mothers and newborns, as well as costly child care expenses.
The study utilized data from the CDC to determine factors such as infant mortality rates and maternal mortality rates in each state. It highlighted the challenges faced by parents across the country in affording child care costs, with expenses exceeding $15,000 annually for infant center-based care in some regions. Business related to child care have also seen a decline since 2020, exacerbating the financial burden on families.
In analyzing the cost of child care across different states, the report revealed that Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, California, Minnesota, and Connecticut had the highest child care expenses in 2020. Washington, D.C., and Massachusetts exceeded $20,000 in annual child care costs per child, further underscoring the financial strain faced by families. This data underscores the growing gap between child care costs and affordability for many families in the U.S.
The study highlighted disparities in childbirth experiences across different states, with some states providing better access to affordable health care and child care services. By evaluating criteria such as mortality rates, health care costs, and child care expenses, the report aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by expectant parents and families across the country. Moving forward, efforts to address these disparities and provide support for families in need will be crucial to improving the childbirth experience in the United States.
