Alabama has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country.  It's so severe, that UAB has compared it to some third world countries, and it's not getting any better. 

New statistics from Auburn University in Montgomery show that the infant mortality rate from 2008 is 9.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.  That's a half percent up from 2006.

Doctor Derrol Dawkins of Metro Pediatrics, PC says he wasn't expecting the rise.

"Well, somewhat surprised because we had gone down a few years ago," says Dr. Dawkins.

Doctor Dawkins says he attributes the increase in infant deaths to this new statistic from AUM:

Forty percent of babies in Alabama are born out of wedlock, compared to just 11.6% in 1960.

"The fact that we had a lot of unwed mothers...that tells me we have to address some issues in terms of decision making," says Dr. Dawkins.

Part of that decision making being knowing when it's necessary to take an infant to the doctor.

In addition to lack of education, Dr. Dawkins also says lack of access to medical facilities is a key factor in the infant mortality rate.  This is especially true in rural areas, but according to Dr. Dawkins, it's also a problem here in Birmingham.

"Oftentimes people may not have transportation...their ride may not come on time and so forth, and then they still have problems getting to the doctor's office."

Just a simple trip to the doctor at such a young age can be so critical, helping babies to grow up to see their birthdays.

The infant mortality rate for whites increased from 2006 to 2008, from 6.7 to 7.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. The rate for blacks and other minorities decreased over the same time, from 13.9 to 13.4.