California Infant Mortality Rate Reaches Record Low

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- California health officials say the state's infant mortality rate has reached a new low.

   California Department of Public Health Director Ron Chapman says there were 4.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2009, the most recent year for which data is available. The previous low was in 2006, when the rate was five deaths per 1,000 births.

   Health officials credit better health choices made by expectant mothers, like avoiding tobacco and alcohol.

   Though the overall rate of infant deaths has gone down, racial and ethnic disparities persist.

   Chapman says the infant mortality rate for African-Americans in California dipped from 12.1 per 1,000 live births in 2008 to 10.6 per 1,000 live births in 2009.

   Officials say they need more data to determine if recent decreases indicate a long-term trend.

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