Montgomery, AL – New statistics show Alabama's infant mortality rate is increasing.
Data released Wednesday by Auburn Montogmery's Center for Demographic Research shows Alabama's infant death rate was 9.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2008. That's a half percentage point higher than the rate reported in 2006.
The infant mortality rate for whites increased over the two-year period, from 6.7 to 7.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. The rate for blacks and other minorities decreased over the same time, from 13.9 to 13.4.
The statistics also show an increase in out-of-wedlock births in the state.
About 40 percent of Alabama's children are born out of wedlock, compared to 11.6 percent in 1960.
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