Equity in Birth Outcomes

Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities

The Department of Health Services (DHS) implemented a multi-year initiative to achieve equity in birth outcomes, eliminating racial and ethnic disparities. Although Wisconsin is a leader in its low infant mortality rate for white infants, we need to strengthen our efforts to assure the best outcomes for all mothers and babies in the state.

A Framework for Action

A Framework for Action to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Birth Outcomes, (P-01076) (PDF) (updated July 2008) discusses the impact of infant mortality and its disparate burden among Wisconsin's racial and ethnic communities. We have outlined a series of strategies and action steps for state, local, and community partners.

Wisconsin Healthiest Women Initiative

The Wisconsin Healthiest Women Initiative was created to promote the health of women, building on previous efforts to improve birth outcomes, and to create this collective Wisconsin's Statewide Framework for Improving Women's Health (September 2013) (PDF).  

Project Background and Related Efforts

• Wisconsin Health Facts: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Infant Mortality (updated Nov. 2012)  (PDF)
• Wisconsin Healthy Birth Outcomes: Minority Health Program Challenges and Contributions (article in Nov. 2008 Supplement of the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice)