babies. world health. darwin.

stats: 2 million babies a year die within 24 hours of birth worldwide. 2 million babies die a year within its first month worldwide.

99% (3.96 mil) of all newborn deaths are in developing contries leaving 40,000 to the developed world. the United States ranks 2nd lowest in newborn mortality rate (5 deaths/1,000 births); tied with Hungary, Poland, Malta, and Slovakia.

Melinda Gates says, "All children, no matter where they are born, deserve a healthy start in life."
could you imagine the impact 4 million more healthy babies would have on the world, global economy, Earth? this is where my survival of the fittest philosophy kicks in. if the newborn is not healthy enough to surive its first month, the newborn wasn't meant to be a part of this Earth. sorry. try again later. (as much as i revel in science and technology, my darwinian philosophy sometimes applies to medical advancement and technology as well.)

the report highlights three most influencial areas on newborn health. female education because educated women are more likely to seek health care. use of family planning and contraception. presence of trained birth attendants in case of complications.

let's just think about the situation the United States, the richest country on this planet, is in: second to last place. presence of trained birth attendants: check. education: mmm, considering the U.S. is a "First World" country its citizens could be more educated about prenatal health. family planning/contraception: Mr. Bush's idea of family planning is to just say no, so I would say we aren't doing too well in this category either. i suspect that our society's reluctance to talk about sex and its consequences has a large effect on our performance in newborn and sexual health. what it all comes down to is that pregnant women (and everyone else) need easier access to health care and health education in this country.

i really hope no one is looking to the U.S. to be the guiding light in this area.