Monthly Vital Statistics Reports

Births and Deaths: United States, 1995

This report presents preliminary 1995 data on births and deaths in the United States. This issue introduces a new statistical series, based on a new approach to collect and process vital statistics data. The new approach for vital statistics expedite the flow of data from the States to the National Center for Health Statistics making it possible to publish more detailed findings on a faster schedule.

Data on births are shown by age, race, and Hispanic origin of mother. Other variables presented are national and State data on marital status, prenatal care, cesarean delivery, and low birthweight. Mortality data include life expectancy, leading causes of death, and infant mortality.

Data Highlights:

• The 1995 preliminary infant mortality rate reached a record low of 7.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, with record lows achieved for the white and black populations.
• Preliminary data show that births and birth and fertility rates generally declined in 1995, especially for teenagers (3 percent); the teen rate was 56.9 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 years.
• For the sixth consecutive year, the cesarean delivery rate declined and the rates for prenatal care utilization improved.
• Life expectancy in 1995 matched the record high of 75.8 years attained in 1992 and was slightly above the figure of 75.7 years for 1994.
• The number of deaths due to HIV infection increased from 42,114 in 1994 to 42,506 in 1995. This is the largest number reported in a single year, however, the age-adjusted death rate from this cause did not change between the two years. This marks the first time that the age-adjusted death rate for HIV infection has held steady for a two year period since it was first classified in 1987.