Is Racism Behind High Infant Mortality Rates Among African-Americans? (Rewire) Scientists are still researching the role that racism plays in the disgracefully high rates of low birth-weight, prematurity, and infant deaths among African-American infants and the high rate of maternal death among African-American women. Share this: Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Like Loading...