Patterns and determinants of infant mortality in developed nations, 1950–1975

Despite a level of per capita income among the highest in the world, the United States ranks 15th This ranking represents more than minor fluctuations or measurement error among nations that have already reached nearly identically low levels. Substantial variation in infant mortality exists among developed nations, and the position of the U.S. has been declining relative to other nations over the last several decades. Not surprisingly this has concerned many. Critics blame the high rate in the U.S. on failures of the medical care system, inequitable income distribution, and inadequate federal welfare and health policies (Sidel and SideI1983). Of current debate among policymakers are whether federal goals for improvement in infant mortality by 1990 will be reached and what role budget cutbacks have had on recent trends in infant mortality