Sad, but true, US ranks among highest for infant death
By drknlvly6781
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
United States
November 10, 2007 7:40pm CST
Found this story on Yahoo and it shocked me to my core.
Here's the link:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071111/ap_on_he_me/saving_the_Smallest_us_picture
Turns out in the United States, for every 1000 births there are 7 deaths before the age of one. Pretty sad when you think that we are the most medically and tecnologically advanced country in the nation. We have more neonatalists, and more newborn intensive care beds than Australia, Canada,and the United kingdom, yet our death rate is still higher; so why is this true? Its because of the lack of health care accesibility to minorities and lower class individuals in this nation. Yet President Bush saw no need for the health care bill he vetoed recently. Hopefully this override will go through.
And something that really got close to home for this MyLotter, black babies are dying at a two and a half times greater rate than babies born to white mothers. I looked at this and said are you really serious? What can be the cause of this??? Why are babies dying at such a rapid rate in what is supposed to be the best nation in the world? (Don't worry y'all, I stopped believing we were the best long time ago.) What is your opinion, why is this happening?
2 responses
@KevinIX (47)
• United States
16 Jan 08
The infant mortality rate for the US is actually not terrible, but yea, it could definitely be better. It is definitely the lower class group that are the victims. Unfortunately, even after so many years, a relatively sizable portion of America's black society still falls into the lower class category. However, I think the situation should get better with time. Partially because of Affirmative Action, minorities have job and education opportunities they didn't have before. The problem is how long it will take to thoroughly abolish poverty. We should focus less on spreading democracy to people who don't want it, and spend more time on our citizens.
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
16 Jan 08
Kevin, did you even read the story? I believe the number is terrible, not only because of the quantity, but because of the society we live in. It really shouldn't be that high when we are the richest country in the world (they say) We have the most doctors, biggest space in the neonatal unit, and some of the best technology. Yet and still we are among the top ranked in deaths. The number is terrible because its disproportionate to the standard of living we are supposed to have in this country.
@KevinIX (47)
• United States
16 Jan 08
Actually I didn't read the article, since the link doesn't work for me. I took a look at the mortality rankings on wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_infant_mortality_rate). I noticed America was ranked 180 on the list and assumed it was pretty good. But now that I look at it again, it looks like compared to developed countries, we're really high up. That is kind of disturbing, but kind of understandable. American health care is outrageously expensive. People probably aren't getting the medical attention they need because the government isn't offering enough benefits to cover their basic needs, but I think a large part of the problem is because health care is generally overpriced in America. When I brought my dad to Taiwan for a full check-up including x-rays and blood tests(he'd been having chronic of chest pain) it cost 50 USD. If he were to do that in America, the bill would easily have been triple that.
1 person likes this
@vicki2876 (5636)
• Canada
13 Nov 07
This is a sad thing to hear! Though I know very little about US health care system, I think that you all have to pay out for services but here in canada things are supposed to be paid for by the government. It is getting more and more that we have to pay out of pocket which is scary cause I never had health insurance or anything. It most be tough for people who can't afford insurance to get proper health care in the US.
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
16 Jan 08
I know I'm a little late getting back to you, but I just saw your response tonight.
Its not that all of us have to pay out of pocket. The ones who are extremely poor can get government assistance. But therein lies the problem. Those who make a little money, but not enough to afford insurance are left in the doughnut hole. They make too much to get government assistance, but not enough to afford their own insurance, so many have to go without.
This is the sad state that President Bush has left us in.
@vicki2876 (5636)
• Canada
16 Jan 08
Actually I understand that too. Because here certain things are not free. Dentist, eye exams and glasses, prescriptions are some. If I was on assistance I could get that covered by the government. But if you are a hard working low income family you get no help at all. Almost like it would be better for the family if you didn't try. Sad.
By the way I am supposed to wear glasses all the time. Look at my picture.... see any? Nope? I can't afford it. Guess it is here too. :(
1 person likes this
