Women who stop smoking greatly reduce their risk of dying prematurely, and quitting smoking is beneficial at all ages. Smoking during pregnancy remains a major public health problem despite increased knowledge of the adverse health effects of smoking during pregnancy. Tobacco industry marketing is a factor influencing susceptibility to and initiation of smoking among girls, in the United States and overseas. Tobacco ads and promotions targeted to women are dominated by themes of social desirability and independence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site provides additional information on the report.
Bills seek federal regulation of tobacco products.
The bill's introduction occurred nearly a year after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the FDA could not regulate tobacco without Congressional authorization. H.R. 1043 would validate rules the FDA proposed in 1996 and direct the agency to include additional restrictions on marketing, advertising, and access as described in the 1997 agreement between state attorneys general and tobacco companies. Six more representatives have signed on as co-sponsors. That bill has 53 co-sponsors. Both bills were referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.