Abstract

National No Smoking Day on 9 March 2005 highlighted the battle the UK still faces in tackling smoking. The health implications are particularly significant for midwives and for women in their care. The effects of cigarette smoking on adults and their children, specifically on the developing fetus, are well documented. Coverage in the national press suggest that we are on a roller coaster with some trying to protect against environmental or passive cigarette smoke and others trying to take a more moderate view and raising issues of freedom of choice.