Comparative View of Prenatal Care between the United States and Cuba: Lessons for the United States?

Abstract

Infant mortality is an indication of a country’s health. The United States has struggled to lower its infant mortality rates. Cuba, a small island with notably fewer resources, has been successful in maintaining a lower infant mortality rate than the United States. The two neighboring countries vary greatly in political systems, economies, and available resources. How can the difference in mortality rate be explained? What can the United States learn from Cuba? This article explores these differences and provides suggestions for change within the United States’ system of health care.

Keywords:

• Cuba
• United States
• prenatal care
• health care
• infant mortality