Final answer:
Infant mortality rates vary between states due to factors such as poverty, ethnicity, and the healthcare system. States with higher poverty rates and larger minority populations tend to have higher infant mortality rates. Access to quality healthcare is crucial for reducing infant mortality rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infant mortality rates can vary between different states due to several factors. Poverty, ethnicity, and the local political climate have been found to be key predictors of infant health in the United States. Babies born in states with higher poverty rates and larger minority populations, such as Mississippi and Alabama, tend to have higher infant mortality rates compared to states like Vermont with lower poverty rates and predominantly white populations. In addition, the healthcare system plays a role in the post-hospital care provided to infants, which can impact their health outcomes. Access to quality, affordable healthcare is crucial for reducing infant mortality rates. For example, Cuba, despite its lower wealth and higher percentage of people of color compared to the United States, has a lower infant mortality rate due to its government's commitment to providing accessible healthcare for everyone.