The most recent Australian figures show (from 1997 until 2007) baby boys under the age of one year had a greater chance of dying then girls.

From birth to one (for every 1000 births) 4.7 boys died compared to 4.1 girls. 1999 was a particularly bad year for boys with 6.3 boys dying compared to 4.9 girls.

After the first birthday, up until about 14 years, the death rates for girls and boys are about the same. But then the figures start to show boys once again dying at a greater rate. This is often three times higher than for girls.

Death Rates (per 1000 within each age category):

Boys:       1999 2007 Girls: 1999 2007

10-14        0.2     0.1                 0.1     0.1

15-19        0.8     0.5                 0.3     0.2

20-24        1.3     0.8                 0.4     0.3

25-29        1.4     0.9                 0.4     0.3

The chances of males dying continues to be greater throughout life. While women's death rates are about half to three quarters the rate for men.

See ABS Catalogue No. 3302.0 - Death, Australia 2007 (See Downloads) Death rates, summary, Australia, states and territories, 1997 to 2007. http://www.abs.gov.au/