Young mothers 'have more neonatal deaths'
Teenage mothers are far more likely to suffer neonatal death than other parents, according to a new study, which may boost the need for family health insurance.
A report published the by the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health shows that women giving birth under the age of 20 have the highest rate of neonatal mortality of any demographic, with 4.4 per 1,000 live births
In addition, older mothers were found to have an increased risk of stillbirths, with those aged over 40 having 7.7 per 1,000 live births.
Cathy Warwick, general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, says a baby death is a "terrible tragedy" and that the report illustrates the "real and continuing need to tackle health inequalities and social deprivation".
She adds that these factors are often instrumental in contributing to babies' deaths, particularly in ethnic minority groups and teenagers, which may boost the need for family health insurance.
By Stephen Tate 
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