Recent data documented in the 2023 March of Dimes Report Card for Tennessee indicates concerning stats for expectant mothers and their babies in the state, particularly Black mothers and babies. For example, the preterm birth rate among babies born to Black birthing people in Tennessee is 15%, which means that 15% of babies born to Black birthing parents were born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This rate is 1.5 times higher than the preterm birth rate among all other babies. Preterm babies can face various health challenges, including short-term effects like difficulty breathing due to underdeveloped respiratory systems, feeding issues…
