A new 2025 report released by John Foy & Associates reveals that Southern states are experiencing disproportionately high rates of premature births, a leading contributor to preventable birth injuries across the region.
According to the firm’s analysis of national data, an estimated seven out of every 1,000 babies born in the U.S. suffer a birth injury, a figure supported by CDC data. With over 3.5 million live births recorded in 2023, this equates to approximately 25,139 infants affected nationwide.
Premature birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is a primary factor behind many of these injuries. Data from the March of Dimes shows that preterm births made up 10.4% of all U.S. births in 2023, totaling nearly 374,000 infants. However, the Southern region exceeds this national average, with a significantly higher share of preterm births among Black and American Indian women.
“Our research points to an urgent need for equitable access to quality prenatal care,” said a spokesperson for John Foy & Associates. “In many Southern states, systemic barriers, from healthcare access to environmental stressors, are putting expecting mothers and their babies at unnecessary risk.”
Key Contributing Factors Identified:
- Inadequate or delayed prenatal care
- Exposure to air pollution and extreme heat
- Higher prevalence of maternal health conditions like diabetes and hypertension
- Socioeconomic inequality
- Restrictive reproductive healthcare policies
These risk factors have led to an increase in serious birth injuries such as:
- Cerebral Palsy – Impaired muscle control and motor function due to brain damage
- Erb’s Palsy – Paralysis or weakness in the shoulder and arm from nerve damage during delivery
- Cephalohematoma – Internal bleeding between a newborn’s scalp and skull
- Intracranial Hemorrhaging – Bleeding in or around the brain
- Asphyxia – Oxygen deprivation at birth, potentially leading to long-term complications
The 2025 South’s Birth Injury Report underscores the pressing need to address racial and geographic disparities in maternal healthcare. National data from the March of Dimes shows preterm birth rates by racial group: Black (14.7%), American Indian (12.4%), Hispanic (10.1%), White (9.5%), and Asian (9.4%).
“These are more than just numbers; they represent thousands of families navigating lifelong challenges that could have been prevented,” the John Foy & Associates spokesperson added. “Improving maternal health outcomes in the South requires systemic change and focused investment in underserved communities.”
About John Foy & Associates
John Foy & Associates is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm based in Atlanta, GA, with a dedicated team of attorneys who advocate for families affected by birth injuries. The firm is committed to supporting equitable healthcare initiatives and increasing awareness about preventable childbirth complications.
