Healthy pregnancies lead to healthy babies. Yet a stubbornly high statistic—smoking during pregnancy—warns us that too many Kentucky babies don’t get a strong start. The data by county also shows us that counties with comprehensive smoke-free laws have lower rates of smoking during pregnancy. That’s an observation backed up by research that shows such laws work to reduce smoking during pregnancy and keep unborn babies safe. Such laws would also prevent many more pregnant women from breathing secondhand smoke, another serious health risk for unborn babies.

Pregnant women across Kentucky should have the support they need to make healthy choices as important as not smoking during pregnancy. They should also be able to go to work, eat in a restaurant, or use a public restroom without being exposed to secondhand smoke. Smoke-free laws covering every county would ensure a healthier start in life for Kentucky kids. Check out this new infographic to see the extent of smoking during pregnancy in Kentucky, related birth outcomes, and what we can do about it. To download a PDF version of the infographic, please click here.

Smoke-Free Infographic