Comparison of Infant Mortality in the United States and Sweden

Abstract

This study summarizes differences between Sweden and the United States regarding certain aspects of infant mortality. Sweden has the lowest infant mortality rate (IMR) and the United States is number 16. Both the neonatal and postneonatal mortality rates of Sweden are considerably lower. Since 1960, the neonatal mortality rate of Sweden was reduced by a greater percentage. The incidence of low birth weight in Sweden is considerably lower. In the United States, no state has an IMR as low as that of Sweden. Nonwhite babies, babies born out of wedlock, and those of teenage or "old" mothers have a higher IMR. The article describes in some detail the organization and network of ser vices in Sweden that may be playing an important role in Sweden's low IMR.