A recent study released findings on the best and worst states for childbirth in 2024, evaluating nine key criteria such as healthcare and childcare costs, maternal and infant mortality rates, and postpartum expenses. Data utilized for the study came from sources including the CDC and the Health Care Cost Institute.
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group, headquartered in Arizona, conducted a thorough analysis of all 50 states, assigning scores ranging from 40 to 100 to each state based on the significance of various factors. North Dakota emerged as the top state for childbirth with an overall score of 85, attributed to its low infant and maternal mortality rates, robust healthcare infrastructure, and reasonable childbirth costs.
Utah followed closely with a score of 78, recognized for its affordable childcare options and low mortality rates. South Dakota secured third place with a score of 73, noted for its accessible childcare and moderate mortality rates.
Conversely, Mississippi received the lowest score of 40, reflecting challenges such as high infant and maternal mortality rates and costly healthcare services. South Carolina narrowly avoided the bottom position with an overall score of 41.50, primarily due to high infant mortality rates and expensive childcare.
Tennessee ranked similarly low with a score of 42.13, facing issues of elevated mortality rates and childcare costs. These findings underscore national struggles with childcare affordability, exacerbated by declines in available childcare services since 2020.
Here is the updated ranking of the top 10 best and worst states for childbirth according to the Birth Injury Lawyers Group:
Best States for Childbirth:
1. North Dakota
2. Utah
3. South Dakota
4. Iowa
5. Idaho
6. Kansas
7. Wyoming
8. Delaware
9. Missouri
10. New Hampshire
Worst States for Childbirth:
50. Mississippi
49. South Carolina
48. Tennessee
47. West Virginia
46. Alabama
45. Arkansas
44. Louisiana
43. North Carolina
42. Georgia
41. Massachusetts
These rankings provide a snapshot of the varying challenges and advantages across states concerning childbirth conditions in the United States.