ATLANTA – A new study by a birth injury law firm reveals that North Georgia ranks in the top 10 worst states to have a baby in 2024.

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A new study has revealed that North Georgia is the 9th worst state to have a baby in 2024. 

Birth injury law firm Birthinjurylawyer.com analyzed 50 states, ranking them based on key metrics related to the cost and health aspects of childbirth to find the best and worst states to have a baby. 

• Georgia ranks 9th with a total score of 48.48, a health score of 5.62, and a cost score of 5.14. The state’s infant mortality rate is 6.25 per 1000 births, and the maternal mortality rate is 33.9 per 100,000 live births.
• Mississippi ranks 1st among the worst states to have a baby, with a total score of 40, a health score of 4, and a cost score of 4.71.
• With an overall score of 41, South Carolina ranks 2nd among the worst states to have a baby, with a higher infant mortality rate of 7.26 per 1000 births, followed by Tennessee at 3rd, with a total score of 42.13.
• With an 85 overall score, North Dakota ranked as the best state to have a baby with its low infant rate of 2.77 per 100 births and low maternal mortality rates of 24.2 per 100,000 live births. 

10 Worst States to Have a Baby

Rank	State	Total Score	Health Score	Cost Score
1	Mississippi	40	4	4.71
2	South Carolina	41	5.56	4.08
3	Tennessee	42	5.79	4.05
4	West Virginia	42	5.82	4.06
5	Alabama	42	5	4.53
6	Arkansas	43	4.98	4.66
7	Louisiana	44	5.38	4.56
8	North Carolina	48	6.33	4.61
9	Georgia	48	5.62	5.14
10	Massachusetts	49	7.69	4

1. Mississippi:

Mississippi is the worst state to have a baby, with a total score of 40 and a high infant (9.39 per 1000 births) and maternal mortality rates (43.0 per 100,000 live births). Despite a high fertility rate (60.7 per 1000), the state struggles with healthcare challenges.

2. South Carolina:

South Carolina ranks second as the worst state to have a baby, scoring 41.50 overall, with high infant (7.26 per 1000 births) and maternal mortality rates (32.7 per 100,000 live births). Childcare costs are relatively high at $9,932 annually.

3. Tennessee:

Tennessee ranks 3rd as the worst state to have a baby with a total score of 42.13 and faces considerable healthcare challenges with high infant (6.18 per 1000 births) and maternal mortality rates (41.7 per 100,000 live births). Childcare costs are $8,759 annually.

4. West Virginia:

West Virginia ranks 4th as the worst state to have a baby, scoring 42.29, with infant and maternal mortality rates of 6.80 per 1000 and 25.4 per 100,000 live births, respectively. Child care costs average $8,320 annually.

5. Alabama:

Ranks fifth as the worst state to have a baby with a score of 42.39 and has high infant (7.56 per 1000 births) and maternal mortality rates (41.4 per 100,000 live births). Annual childcare costs are $7,280.

6. Arkansas:

Arkansas ranks 6th as the worst state to have a baby with a total score of 43.13, challenged by high infant (8.59 per 1000 births) and maternal mortality rates (43.5 per 100,000 live births). Childcare costs are $6,575 annually.

7. Louisiana:

Louisiana ranks 7th as the worst state to have a baby, scores 43.90, and faces high infant (7.24 per 1000 births) and maternal mortality rates (39.0 per 100,000 live births). Annual childcare costs are $7,800.

8. North Carolina:

With a total score of 47.62, North Carolina ranks 8th as the worst state to have a baby; it has an infant mortality rate of 6.72 per 1000 births and a maternal mortality rate of 26.5 per 100,000 live births. Child care costs $9,350 annually.

9. Georgia:

Georgia ranks 9th as the worst state to have a baby, scoring 48.48 overall. The infant mortality rate is 6.25 per 1000 births, and the maternal mortality rate is 33.9 per 100,000 live births. Annual childcare costs are $7,630.

10. Massachusetts:

Ranks 10th as the worst state to have a baby, with a total score of 48.54. Despite lower infant (3.23 per 1000 births) and maternal mortality rates (15.3 per 100,000 live births), high childcare costs ($16,781 annually) affect its ranking.

10 Best States to Have a Baby

Rank	State	Total Score	Health Score	Cost Score
1	North Dakota	85	9	9
2	Utah	78	8.45	8.15
3	South Dakota	73	7.7	7.88
4	Iowa	71	8.22	7.28
5	Idaho	68	8.07	6.81
6	Kansas	67	7.66	6.98
7	Wyoming	67	7.29	7.14
8	Delaware	67	7.26	7.15
9	Missouri	66	6.71	7.26
10	New Hampshire	66	7.7	6.7

1. North Dakota: 

North Dakota ranks as the best state to have a baby with top-notch healthcare (health score: 9.00) and great affordability (cost score: 9.00). Notable for its low infant (2.77 per 1000 births) and maternal mortality rates (24.2 per 100,000 live births), and a high overall score of 85.0.

2. Utah: 

A close second, offering excellent healthcare (health score: 8.45) and relatively affordable childcare (cost score: 8.15). Its low infant and maternal mortality rates contribute to its score of 78.

3. South Dakota: 

South Dakota ranks as the 3rd best state to have a baby,  stands out with good healthcare (health score: 7.70) and reasonable childcare costs (cost score: 7.88), achieving a score of 73. It also has a moderate infant mortality rate and a slightly higher maternal mortality rate.

4. Iowa: 

Known for its quality healthcare (health score: 8.22) and more affordable childcare (cost score: 7.28), Iowa ranks fourth among the best states to have a baby, with a total score of 71. It balances low infant and maternal mortality rates with slightly higher childcare costs.

5. Idaho: 

Idaho ranks 5th among the best states to have a baby, with quality healthcare (health score: 8.07) and affordability (cost score: 6.81). Its total score of 67.80 reflects a good healthcare environment and a moderate fertility rate.

6. Kansas: 

Kansas ranks 6th among the best states to have a baby and offers solid healthcare (health score: 7.66) with reasonable childcare costs (cost score: 6.98), totaling 67.40. The state is known for its focus on healthcare and economic policies favorable to families.

7. Wyoming: 

Wyoming ranks 7th among the best states to have a baby and provides good healthcare (health score: 7.29) and affordable childcare options (cost score: 7.14), with a final score of 67. It combines low infant and maternal mortality rates with a manageable annual cost of childcare.

8. Delaware: 

Delaware, ranks 8th among the best states to have a baby, has a total score of 67.08 with decent healthcare (health score: 7.26) and manageable costs (cost score: 7.15). It offers a positive environment for families with its investment in healthcare and affordability.

9. Missouri: 

Ranks 9th with adequate healthcare services (health score: 6.71) and favorable costs (cost score: 7.26), leading to a final score of 65.80. It has a higher maternal mortality rate but balances it with a reasonable cost of living.

10. New Hampshire: 

Rounds out the top ten with a score of 65.76, boasting high-quality healthcare (health score: 7.70) but higher costs (cost score: 6.70). Notable for one of the lowest maternal mortality rates and a focus on healthcare quality.

To explore the complete ranking, detailed analysis, and methodology, I invite you to explore the complete study here.