I personally think smoking during pregancy is plain foolish.
But obviously people have the right to make foolish choices.
The point of the post is that we all lived through times that had less safety features. Smoking is foolish,but it is not true that it will lead to deformed or really small children. Genetics and basic health play a greater role.
Safety can be good but what gets my goat it the govt usurping my parental right to make decsions. Like having 12 year olds in safety seats. I know women that are small ,should they be in a safety seat? If I choose not to wear seatbelt then that should be my decsion. If I wanted to let my child sleep in the back of a station wagon , I should be allowed to. I survived that, so will furture children.
I hate the having to wear helmet law. Sure it saves head injuries, but I hate wearing a helmet. I ride horses and refuse to wear a helmet when not competing. My choice to take that risk. Compared to the comfort the risk is minimal. However I do require any child to do so since less skill increases the risk.
That is the essence of freedom. to ,make thoses choices whether it is safe or not. Also for parents to make those choices for their own children.