South Carolina ranks near bottom for babies

According to a new report, South Carolina ranks among the bottom half of all states for babies.

The State of Babies Yearbook: 2019 takes a look at indicators that affect the well-being of children ages 0 to 3.

Researchers are then provided with an in-depth look at national and state progress among three police areas: good health, strong, families and positive early learning experiences.

Results found South Carolina ranked among the bottom half of all for babies.

The Yearbook also highlights areas where South Carolina can improve.

“Each of the 175,671 babies in South Carolina was born with a bundle of unlimited potential and the first three years of their life will shape every year that follows,” said Myra Jones-Taylor, chief policy officer of ZERO TO THREE. “But far too many babies face persistent hardships—such as food insecurity, unstable housing, and exposure to violence—that undermine their ability to grow and thrive.”