November 1 - Ban smoking for pregnant women

As I watch the news I realise how much we talk about that young teenagers smoke illegally. I thought why aren’t people trying to tackle these problems across the board such as pregnant women who smoke and drink, but this morning on my way to school, I heard on the radio that the new death rate for children has increased. They said that most deaths are due to irresponsible mothers who smoke during pregnancy. It’s ironic how at this present time they are trying to ban smoking in cars yet it is still not illegal for pregnant women to do so.

There are many causes to children who have to intake toxins due to their parents. The most serious complications include premature birth, babies born too small and death before birth. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. When you smoke during pregnancy, that toxic brew gets into your bloodstream, your baby’s only source of oxygen and nutrients. Every cigarette you smoke increases the risks to your pregnancy. A smoker’s body is especially sensitive to the first doses of nicotine each day, and even just one or two cigarettes will significantly tighten blood vessels which reduces the amount of oxygen given to your baby. That’s why even a “light” habit can have an outsize effect on your baby’s health.

In my opinion I think every human life is important but I honestly think that our children have the priority. Since they are the people that may be ruling our country someday why don’t we have more respect? If a child makes the decision themselves personally I think they should have to deal with the consequences. But when a child isn’t even born they shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences but the mothers should. So why isn’t smoking during pregnancy illegal?

amanda curtin (15 years old)

Castlepark, Caherconlish