Media release from Maori SIDS

Maori SIDs supports Dr Jeffrey Wigand, the former head of research at tobacco company Brown & Williamson, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), in his recommendation to the Maori Affairs Select Committee to reduce smoking among Maori pregnant women.

"Smoking during pregnancy is a huge problem for Maori, with 45% of Maori pregnant women smoking when they register with their Lead Maternity Carer. Because so many of our wahine smoke during pregnancy, our babies, our mokopuna are suffering the consequences" said Nicola MacDonald of Maori SIDS.

Research shows children born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy have an increased risk of placental complications, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, premature birth, perinatal death, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). Smoking during pregnancy has been identified as a cause of SUDI.

"Our babies are suffering before they are born and they have a high risk of dying suddenly before their first birthday. We have found that a majority of SUDI cases have had maternal smoking and postnatal exposure to second hand smoke" said Ms MacDonald.

Dr Wigand identified to the select committee that tobacco addiction amongst Maori women, especially pregnant Maori women compromises the health and well being of mothers and babies. Not only does the mother suffer from smoking related illness, but the child has also been compromised in terms of their health and development.

Maori SIDS supports Dr Wigand's advice to create a hostile environment for the Tobacco Industry within NZ and the objective of a Tobacco Free New Zealand by 2020.

"It is time now to focus on new initiatives to save our babies lives, they are the innocent victims of a cruel and callous industry that has a proven track record of lies and deception."

"We need to act now, to de-normalize tobacco use, especially among pregnant women, to enhance the effectiveness and reach of smoking cessation programs, and to control the supply of tobacco into New Zealand" said Ms MacDonald.

"This is beyond an issue of cost, this is a moral and ethical issue. We must take responsibility as a nation, as communities, and as whanau to protect our babies. They are the most vulnerable members of society, they are the innocent victims of tobacco."