Mississippi health officials have declared a public health emergency in response to a sharp rise in infant mortality, which reached its highest level in over a decade. The state's infant mortality rate increased to 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024. Key factors contributing to the rise include birth defects, premature births, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Experts emphasize the importance of continuous healthcare for women before, during, and after pregnancy to improve infant health outcomes. The increase in infant mortality in Mississippi parallels concerns raised in other states with restrictive abortion laws, where pregnant women face delays and substandard care.