RCM calls for ban on all smoking in public places

March 9, 2005 - ROYAL COLLEGE OF MIDWIVES PRESS RELEASE

Today to coincide with No Smoking Day, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) calls for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and for the establishment of smoke-free environments in all maternity and child-care settings.

The RCM recognises that tobacco smoke is dangerous to human health and is committed to helping pregnant women to protect themselves and their babies.

The wider the ban on smoking, the greater the number of people who will have the incentive to give up, including pregnant women, fathers and mothers of young children.

The General Secretary of the RCM, Dame Karlene Davis, DBE, said: "The Department of Health in England should go further than the White Paper plans and propose a comprehensive ban on smoking in enclosed places and workplaces as proposed in the Scottish Bill and Liverpool and London Proposals."

ENDS

Notes to editors

• A copy of the Position Statement, Smoking in Public Places can be obtained from the RCM by calling 0207 312 3536.
• The RCM also supports the 2nd reading of a private members bill in the House of Lords this Friday for a total ban in Liverpool.
• The RCM represents over 95% of the UK's practising midwives, and is the world's oldest and largest midwifery organisation. It works to advance the interests of midwives and the midwifery profession and, by doing so, enhances the wellbeing of women, babies and families.

For further information call the RCM Press Office on 020 7312 3432.