Progress in Reducing Smoking During Pregnancy Faces Threat from NHS Funding Cuts, Experts Warn

Recent efforts to lower the number of women smoking during pregnancy in England have seen unprecedented success, but health experts warn that ongoing NHS funding cuts could jeopardize these gains. A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), co-authored by Professor Caitlin Notley from the University of East Anglia's Norwich Medical School, highlights that the proportion of pregnant women who smoke has nearly halved over the past decade. The most significant decline has occurred in the last five years, largely due to the deployment of dedicated stop-smoking advisors within NHS maternity services since 2020.

However, the authors express concern that this progress may be at risk due to financial constraints. Cuts to the budgets of integrated care boards (ICBs) and the removal of ringfenced funds for NHS tobacco treatment programs threaten to reverse the positive trend. Support services in some hospitals and mental health facilities have already faced reductions, with further cuts anticipated.

The article underscores that sustained investment is crucial to maintain and improve these outcomes, ensuring that every child has a healthier, smoke-free start in life. The research was conducted by members of the Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group—a coalition that includes organizations like the Royal Colleges of Midwives, Obstetricians, Pediatricians, along with voluntary groups and academic institutions.

Professor Notley emphasizes that the decline in maternal smoking rates is a result of comprehensive healthcare efforts. She notes that disparities still exist, particularly in deprived areas where smoking rates remain higher, suggesting a need for innovative, targeted interventions.

Leading experts warn that reducing or withdrawing support could stall these public health improvements, with serious consequences. Prof. Linda Bauld of the SPECTRUM Research Consortium stresses the importance of continued investment in stop-smoking services, highlighting their role in saving babies' lives.

Clea Harmer, CEO of Sands, and John Waldron from Action on Smoking and Health, call for policymakers to uphold funding commitments and expand these services. They argue that the government’s goal of creating a smoke-free generation must be supported by protecting and increasing funding for vital smoking cessation programs, especially within NHS care settings.

In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in reducing smoking among pregnant women, ensuring these gains persist will require sustained financial support and targeted efforts to address inequalities, safeguarding the health of future generations.