As the ObamaCare debate continues, do you ever wonder why countries like Switzerland, Canada, and Japan have lower infant mortality rates than the United States? What do they have that we don't have? Is it better diet, better lifestyle, better medical care, or is it . . . better-looking statistics?
Hmmm.
You know what they say about statistics: "There are three ways to not tell the truth: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
From Ann Coulter:
America has had a comparatively high infant mortality rate since we've been measuring these things, going back to at least the '20s. This was the case long before European countries adopted their cradle-to-grave welfare schemes and all while the U.S. was the wealthiest country on Earth.There are many genuine health factors that contribute to infant mortality rates. Read about them here (Coulter's September 30, 2009 post).
[snip]
[T]he international comparisons in "infant mortality" rates aren't comparing the same thing, anyway. We also count every baby who shows any sign of life, irrespective of size or weight at birth. By contrast, in much of Europe, babies born before 26 weeks' gestation are not considered "live births." Switzerland only counts babies who are at least 30 centimeters long (11.8 inches) as being born alive. In Canada, Austria and Germany, only babies weighing at least a pound are considered live births.
[snip]
By excluding the little guys, these countries have simply redefined about one-third of what we call "infant deaths" in America as "miscarriages." Moreover, many industrialized nations, such as France, Hong Kong and Japan -- the infant mortality champion -- don't count infant deaths that occur in the 24 hours after birth. Almost half of infant deaths in the U.S. occur in the first day.
Just a reminder: According to yesterday's Rasmussen Daily Presidential Tracking Poll, 63% of American voters would rather have a guarantee that no one is forced to change their health care insurance than a public option. Only 29% would rather have the public option. Does your Congressional Rep know where you stand on ObamaCare? Press here to contact your lawmaker before he or she votes to let government decide what your future health care will be.
__________
America has had a comparatively high infant mortality rate since we've been measuring these things, going back to at least the '20s. This was the case long before European countries adopted their cradle-to-grave welfare schemes and all while the U.S. was the wealthiest country on Earth.
ReplyDeletepraparat