[LionelHutz]

No, I think I'd like to push this a bit. I've seen two responses here to those that criticize women that smoke while pregnant:

1. There is no real danger to unborn children if there mother smoke.

2. People that criticize mothers that smoke should mind their own business.

If your argument includes #1, then I think that should be the debate. Go ahead and try to make the case that smoking does not harm the unborn.

But if you are arguing #2 without establishing #1, then you are saying nothing other that "it's my body, so it's my choice."

And to go just one step further, if a non- (or anti-, whatever) smoker confronts a pregnant woman who is smoking based on a good faith belief that the smoking is harming the child, isn't that person defending the unborn? If you have a response to them, shouldn't it be only to inform them that they have been "duped" by the anti-smoking forces on this issue?

[Madame Dufarge]

No, I think I'd like to push this a bit

Push all you want, Your Pomposity.

I've stated my opinion.

If you have a response to them, shouldn't it be only to inform them that they have been "duped" by the anti-smoking forces on this issue?

Is there an echo in here? So glad my point got through.

And regardless of your yeoman-like efforts, the topic of this thread is still not about pregnancy and smoking. It's about the demonization of smoking and smokers.

[Gabz]

Go ahead and try to make the case that smoking does not harm the unborn.

WRONG - you (meanings anti-smokers) have made the statement AS FACT that smoking harms the unborn - it is your responsibility to make the case this is so.

If, as is claimed by the anti-smokers that maternal smoking while pregnant is SO detrimental to the unborn - why are their so many healthly and successful baby-boomers being productive members of society?

[SheLion]

Studies:  Obesity Worse Than Tobacco Smoking

OBESITY LINKED TO HIGHER RATES OF CHRONIC ILLNESS AND WORSE PHYSICAL
QUALITY OF LIFE THAN SMOKING, DRINKING OR POVERTY
THREE OF FIVE ADULT AMERICANS ARE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE

Health & Science: Surgeon general warns obesity may overtake tobacco as leading preventable killer

Obesity worse for health than smoking

Obesity exacts a higher toll on health and healthcare costs than either smoking or drinking as serious obesity-related problems like diabetes are near epidemic levels, according to a study released on Tuesday.