Has the decline ended? A concerning shift in infant mortality trends in Europe: an urgent analysis

Background: Recent years have shown an unexpected increase in infant mortality in Spain, raising concerns about maternal, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of national and European infant mortality data from 2009 to 2024. Joinpoint regression was used to detect trend changes. Socioeconomic, maternal age, and healthcare access factors were analysed to identify potential contributing elements. Results: The analysis identified a significant upward trend in infant mortality from 2019 onwards. Delayed maternal age, socioeconomic disparities, and reduced healthcare system satisfaction appear associated with this increase. Cross-country comparison indicates that these trends are not unique to Spain. Conclusions: The rise in infant mortality in Spain and Europe may have multifactorial causes, including delayed motherhood, post-pandemic healthcare strain, and socioeconomic inequities. Public health policies should urgently address these factors to prevent further increases.