Four key factors have been identified that together account for more than one-third of the inequalities in infant deaths between the most and least deprived areas of England.
Researchers say targeted interventions to address these factors – teenage pregnancy, maternal depression, preterm birth and smoking during pregnancy – could go a significant way to reduce inequalities, although higher-level structural changes to address socioeconomic inequality will also be necessary.
If rich and poor people all stop doing the bad things – the smoking etc – then why would reducing inequality make any difference?
Deprivation could have an effect, sure. So could absolute poverty. But relative poverty – inequality? How?
Didn’t notice them mention abortion. I’d say that’s by far the biggest cause of death.
But I suppose they aren’t deemed human until they’re born.
This is the age of word-salad so “inequality” can be defined in any way that one chooses or none. Similarly “higher-level structural changes” could involve breast implants or something else entirely. You choose.
One reason could be that the rich have access to maternity services that aren’t controlled by midwives and their ideological indoctrination.
So, once again, it’s not that they’re poor, it’s that they make bad choices in life?
Which just shows how stupid this “research” is….. Two of the “main causes” are derivative results. And the fourth is Lifestyle Choices.
Teen pregnancy, especially early teens, carries a *far* higher risk of premature births and other complications.
The postnatal depression is a given when the kids find out having a little tike is actually hard work, especially with the father most likely having buggered off.
Smoking while pregnant… That’s part and parcel for at least the british Youf that gets pregnant that early, isn’t it?
Can’t really say that for the Enrichment, but then again that whole close consanginuity thing plays a part there..
’…the association with teenage pregnancy may relate more to circumstances such as reduced access to pre- and postnatal care, or access to fewer financial resources, Ho said.’
Abstinence is free, isn’t it?
“higher-level structural changes to address socioeconomic inequality will also be necessary.”
Citizens are therefore requested to arm themselves and assemble near radio and television stations, railway termini, barracks, and institutions of government repression.
There’s no such thing as “deprivation”. Who’s doing the depriving? To what end?
Seems to me that a return to Christian values would solve a lot
BiND has the correct answer. My daughter’s friends, raised to believe in the NHS, have incurred an astonishing range of childbirth complications, courtesy midwitches. Complications not seen in the competent parts of the third world with midwives with no ideological commitment.
Prevent teens from getting pregnant and you pretty much solve the entire problem.
I wonder what it is – socio economic stuff, that results in so many teen pregnancies. Maybe have a look at the culture, the welfare system, education.
That would be quite tricky, so “Aar Enaitchess” could just put them all on long term contraceptives instead.
@Swannypol
Contraceptives don’t get you bennies and social housing.
Anecdata: one of my nieces became pregnant while still at school – my brother wasn’t too happy (and her two younger sisters were equally horrified), but she insisted she would keep the baby, even though the father had buggered off (a situation she was not at all displeased about). But she made a go of it, got a degree with babe in arms, and is now happily married to a good bloke, and they have two more children. So (with a supportive family) it can work out.
PS Swannypol – it’s “Enhaitchess”, if you please 🙂
“So, once again, it’s not that they’re poor, it’s that they make bad choices in life?”
So much this. I know people who are just incompetent at life. No amount of well meaning hand wringing or government hand outs would change their situation. This is the thing that those who fret constantly about inequality don’t get. You will never eliminate inequality because some people take responsibility for their own and their families ‘ well being and others are irresponsible and don’t.
@Pat – “Seems to me that a return to Christian values would solve a lot”
Which Christian values would those be? Maybe the murderous ones which drove the many crusades where Christians killed non-Christians. Maybe the muderous ones which drove Christians to murder and torture those of other religions. Maybe the murderous ones which drove Christians to kill and torture fellow Christians whose specific form of Christianity was different. Or maybe the values embodied by modern clergy when they rape young children. Take your choice.