Spike In Baby Deaths In Scotland Calls For Investigation
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The Scottish government has called for for an inquiry into a recent rise in newborn infant deaths.
The figures illustrated that the death rate for newborns below one year old is currently the highest it has been in a decade. There's a lot of speculation on what the Covid-19 vaccine has to play in this scenario.
In March, at least 18 babies under four weeks old died. This is after at least 21 babies died in September of last year.
The Scottish Government established Healthcare Innovation Scotland to conduct the investigation. It is assumed that it will last six to nine months, encompassing all reported baby deaths between April 2021 and March 2022.
21 babies under four weeks old died in September 2021, at a rate of 4.9 per 1,000 births. In March, 18 deaths occurred, which is equivalent to 4.6 per 1,000 births.
Marie Todd the Public Health Minister said: "Every death is a tragedy for the families involved, that is why earlier this year I committed to this review to find out if there is a reason for the increase.
"I appreciate how difficult this time is for anyone affected and I would encourage them to access support if they wish to do so."
The overall infant mortality rate is approximately two per 1,000 births.