McClellan Explores Ways to Reduce Infant Mortality

Assemblyman Antwan McClellan joined state lawmakers and agency heads at Drumthwacket in Princeton on Monday to address the state’s high maternal and infant mortality rates. The discussions were part of first lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ initiative. “I want to thank the first lady for extending an invitation to take part in this important discussion,” said McClellan, R-Cape May, a former Ocean City councilman. “I’m committed to helping shape Nurture New Jersey into a program that will drastically reduce infant mortality rates, especially in minority communities.” The goal of the initiative is to reduce overall infant mortality while specifically focusing on the high levels of infant mortality rates facing African-American communities. New Jersey ranks 45th in the country in maternal deaths. About 38 women die for every 100,000 live births, according to United Health Foundation. The national average is about 21 deaths. “Reducing infant mortality and promoting better prenatal and postpartum care for all New Jersey mothers should certainly be a bipartisan initiative,” McClellan said.