STATE VITALS: MASSACHUSETTS

The state of Massachusetts scores lower than the nation overall in percent of births to unmarried mothers, cesarean delivery rate, preterm birth rate, teen birth rate and birthweight rate. The state also has a lower mortality rate in homicide, firearm and drug poisoning deaths.

However, among the 10 leading causes of death in the United States, Massachusetts has mortality rates that are higher than the U.S. rates for the following causes: kidney disease and influenza/pneumonia.