Marion County Faces Persistent Infant and Maternal Mortality Disparities

Indianapolis, IN – A recent assessment reveals that Marion County, Indiana, continues to grapple with concerning rates of infant and maternal mortality, particularly impacting Black women and families. The 2025 Marion County Community Health Assessment identified infant mortality as a top health concern for residents, highlighting a complex issue rooted in systemic factors.

Infant Mortality Rates in Marion County

From 2020 to 2024, the infant mortality rate in Marion County was 8.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the Marion County Public Health Department. However, significant disparities exist based on race and ethnicity. For White women, the rate is 5.6 per 1,000 live births, although for Black women, it jumps to 11.5 per 1,000. These statistics underscore the disproportionate impact of infant mortality on the Black community.

Maternal Mortality Rates Reflect Similar Disparities

The assessment also revealed alarming maternal mortality rates. County-wide, from 2020-2024, there were 60.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Breaking down the data by race, the rate for White women is 55.6 per 100,000, while for Black women, it rises dramatically to 97.5 per 100,000. Health officials emphasize the importance of analyzing data by race and ethnicity, as overall rate decreases may mask persistent disparities.

Personal Stories Highlight the Reality Behind the Statistics

Amber Greene, an Indianapolis resident, shared her harrowing experience after giving birth to twins at 28 weeks. She spent nine weeks in the hospital while her babies received care in the NICU. “It wasn’t necessarily the statistics themselves, but not wanting to be one, and knowing that there were women and babies in the same building that I was in that were becoming one like that was, that was one of the most difficult things,” Greene said. Her story illustrates the emotional toll of these statistics and the fear experienced by expectant mothers.

Complex Factors Contribute to the Problem

IU Health maternal fetal medicine physician Dr. Jasmine Johnson explained that a multitude of factors contribute to these disparities, including housing instability, limited access to healthcare, and pre-existing health conditions. “We know that the maternal mortality rate can fluctuate, and sometimes we get really excited when we see it goes down, but I also think it’s really important that we separate our data by race and ethnicity given that we see that even if the overall rate has decreased, the disparities persist, and that is where we need to really, really focus our efforts,” Johnson stated. She emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach involving healthcare teams, public health initiatives, public policy changes, and community organizations.

Addressing Healthcare Access and Systemic Issues

Dr. Johnson also pointed out that Marion County’s large population doesn’t necessarily equate to adequate healthcare resources, creating healthcare deserts within the community. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial to improving outcomes for all residents.

Empowering Women and Fostering Trust

Both Greene and Dr. Johnson stressed the importance of empowering women to advocate for themselves during pregnancy and childbirth. Greene believes that open communication and a supportive care team are essential. “I think ignoring it is not going to help, then just making sure that they feel comfortable with their care team when you acknowledge the problem and that we’re doing everything we can,” Johnson said.

A Call for Comprehensive Solutions

The Marion County Community Health Assessment underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address the social determinants of health and dismantle systemic barriers to care. By focusing on community-level factors and empowering women, officials hope to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates and create a healthier future for all Marion County residents.