March of Dimes statement on HR 1108 - Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

Washington, D.C., July 30, 2008 – Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, issued the following statement:
 
“The U.S. House of Representatives took an important step towards improving the nation’s health today by approving the "Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act," (H.R. 1108).  There are many with great interest in the outcome of this legislation, including those of us who care about the health of women of childbearing age, infants and children.  Smoking during pregnancy accounts for an estimated 20-30 percent of low birth weight newborns, up to 14 percent of preterm deliveries and some 10 percent of infant deaths. 
 
“This bill, which gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate tobacco products, has the potential to significantly reduce smoking among women of childbearing age and pregnant women by restricting deceptive marketing practices, limiting children's access to tobacco products and preventing tobacco companies from misleading women about ‘reduced risk products’ (e.g., ‘light’ cigarettes). Because these actions stand to improve the health of women and children and reduce the incidence of smoking, the Congressional Budget Office estimates implementation of these policy changes would save an estimated $33 million in federal and state Medicaid spending over the next five years.
 
“On behalf of the March of Dimes, we urge the Senate to move quickly to approve this legislation so that it may go to the President for his signature.”