Historical sex ratio in fetal mortality in the United States and its impact on the sex ratio at birth Articles uri icon

publication date

  • October 2022

start page

  • 9

end page

  • 35

issue

  • 2

volume

  • 23

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1591-4798

abstract

  • This paper presents a detailed historical study of several variables (mother's age, gestational age,
    blood level of vitamin D, maternal marital status and birth order) that may influence the sex ratio
    in fetal mortality in the United States. The analysis goes from 1922 to the present. We analyze
    the impact of each of these variables in two major racial groups (White and Black). We also provide
    evidence on how the historical decline in fetal mortality rates affected the sex ratio at birth,
    particularly among the Black population, confirming the results obtained in various European
    countries. The detailed analysis of the variables affecting sex disparities in fetal mortality helps us
    to understand why the sex ratio at birth developed differently in the White population.

keywords

  • stillbirth; fetal death rate; united states; vitamin d; sex inequalities; maternal age; gestational age; birth order; mother’s stress level.