Why It Matters
Indiana maintained its lowest-ever infant mortality rate in 2025, keeping pace with improvements from the prior year. The state recorded 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, marking the best performance since data collection began in 1900. Despite the improvement, Indiana still trails the national average and ranked 16th highest among states for infant mortality in 2024.
The figures reflect ongoing public health challenges tied to maternal health factors including obesity, substance use, and prenatal smoking. State officials say the stable rate demonstrates progress while underscoring the need for continued intervention.
What Happened
Preliminary data from the Indiana Department of Health shows 500 infant deaths occurred in 2025, down from 509 the previous year. The rate of 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births remained essentially unchanged year-over-year, holding at the state’s historic low.
State Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver acknowledged the figures in a press release, noting that nine additional infant lives were saved compared to the prior year. Infant mortality measures deaths of children before their first birthday.
By the Numbers
Indiana’s 2025 rate of 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births compares to the national average of 5.36 per 1,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. rate declined more than 3% year-over-year.
Indiana’s infant mortality stood at 7.4 per 1,000 live births as recently as 2016, according to the March of Dimes Perinatal Data Center. The state held the 16th-highest infant mortality rate nationally in 2024.
Total infant deaths in Indiana dropped from 509 in 2024 to 500 in 2025.
Zoom Out
Infant mortality remains tied to maternal health conditions including obesity, substance use, maternal stress, and smoking during pregnancy, according to state health officials. Leading causes of infant death nationally include birth defects, preterm births, low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, unintentional injuries, and maternal pregnancy complications.
Black and Native American populations experience higher-than-average infant mortality rates nationwide. Indiana’s performance lags behind the U.S. average despite incremental progress over the past decade.
What’s Next
The Indiana Department of Health highlighted programs aimed at further reducing infant mortality, including breastfeeding support, safe sleep education, and its Perinatal Levels of Care system, which certifies hospitals based on obstetric and neonatal service capabilities.
The department also cited Health First Indiana, a state funding initiative for local health programs approved in 2023 and scaled back in 2025. Officials said maternal and infant health outcomes remain a top priority for the agency.