Infant mortality is defined as a death occurring during the first year of life. The infant mortality rate is often used as a measure of the overall health status of a given population. It reflects the heath status of mothers and children and is also indicative of underlying socioeconomic and racial disparities. In 2007, the South Carolina infant mortality rate was 8.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Racial and ethnic disparities related to infant mortality are persistent.

In 2007, premature births were the leading cause of infant death among all races.  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), maternal complications of pregnancy, and accidents constitute the remaining leading causes of infant death. Mothers who begin prenatal care early and continue care throughout pregnancy reduce the risk of complications during childbirth, infant Illness and infant deaths.

In 2008, the rate of infant mortality in Spartanburg was 7.5 per 1,000.  This was lower than the state rate.  However, there is significant racial disparity, as black infant mortality was 11.2 per 1,000 and white infant mortality was 4.9 per 1,000.  This constituted a greater disparity than the state average.

Spartanburg ranked 29th highest of the state’s 46 counties for infant mortality rate for the period 2005-2007.  Overall infant mortality in Spartanburg County has decreased almost every year since 2004.  The same trend is seen when the rate is disaggregated by race.  Note that rates calculated with small numbers are unreliable and should be interpreted cautiously.