OKLAHOMA CITY — A maternal and infant health advocacy group ranked Oklahoma low in several categories on an annual state scorecard that measures access and outcomes for perinatal health care .

March of Dimes , a nonprofit focused on research and advocacy for maternal and infant health, ranked Oklahoma as 46th in infant mortality , with 341 babies dying before their first birthday in 2023.

This rate is 1.7 times higher in Oklahoma for babies born to Black mothers.

Leading causes of infant deaths include birth defects, low birth and preterm birth weights, sudden unexpected infant death and accidents, according to the report.

The state ranks 31st for maternal mortality , with more than 27 births per 1,000 resulting in the death of the mother within six weeks of the pregnanc

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