A 6451 Galef No Senate Campanion

MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT

Passed the Assembly 05/09/2011

An ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to prohibiting smoking at playgrounds

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists District II supports this legislation, which would prohibit smoking at playgrounds during the hours between sunrise and sunset.

It is undeniable that the health effects of secondhand smoke exposure are dangerous.  Not only does it increase the risk of heart disease and lung cancer but, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it contributes to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections and ear problems in children.  Further, when a pregnant woman is exposed to secondhand smoke, the ingested nicotine is passed along to the fetus.

In the United States, an estimated 22% of all women smoke.  Lung cancer is a leading cause of death from malignancy for women aged 40-64 years.  The only effective way to reduce mortality is to promote smoking cessation.  Health care practitioners can make major contributions to the long-term health of women who smoke by identifying all women who smoke and counseling them to stop.  A concrete smoking cessation plan - coupled with the use of pharmacotherapy aids when indicated and proper follow-up care can help women quit smoking and avoid relapse.

Women who smoke increase their risk of osteoporosis, dysmenorrhea, secondary amenorrhea and menstrual irregularity.  Women smokers also undergo natural menopause at a younger age than do non-smokers, and they are at an increased risk for infertility.

ACOG District II continues to support efforts to encourage smoking cessation to improve women's health, to prevent young women from initiating smoking and to prevent exposure to harmful toxins that can interrupt the cycle and outcome of pregnancy.  For these reasons, ACOG District II supports A.6451 which will help to keep New York's women and children healthy and safe.

May 1, 2011

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, District II (ACOG) represents the board certified obstetrician-gynecologists in the state who deliver health care to New York's women.  Our Albany office offers the New York State Legislature its resources as a scientific and educational organization dedicated to quality health care for women.  If you have questions on this or any other state legislative proposal, please contact our office at 518-436-3461.