Rhode Island Just So-So When It Comes To Best States To Have Children: Study

Rhode Island finished in the bottom half of a study to determine which states provide the strongest support networks for new parents.

The Ocean State placed 27th in the study conducted by Autism 360.

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"The analysis examines everything from infant care affordability to preterm birth rates, provider availability, and birth trends, offering parents a clearer picture of where families are most supported in their child’s crucial first year," according to a media release accompanying the study results.

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The top state in the Autism 360 study was Louisiana.

"Louisiana claims the No. 1 spot with a total score of 59.15, largely because it outperforms every state on cost," the release said. "It has the lowest C-section delivery cost in the country at $15,543 and ranks second for vaginal delivery at $13,296, both far below the national average. Childcare is also comparatively manageable, with infant care costs making up just 17.7% of women’s median earnings (3rd best nationwide)."

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Louisiana was followed by Maryland and Tennessee.

The worst state in the country for having a child, according to the study, was California.

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Rhode Island's 27th-place finish trailed Massachusetts by one spot and beat Arizona by one place.

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