STILLBIRTHS have fallen since the introduction of the smoking ban, research shows.
A study led by Edinburgh University found stillbirths in England have decreased by almost eight per cent since the law change.
The number of babies dying shortly after birth has reduced by the same amount. The findings are based on information on more than 10 million births between 1995 and 2011.
They suggest almost 1,500 stillbirths and newborn deaths were averted in the first four years after smoking was banned in public places.
Dr Jasper Been, of Edinburgh University, said: “Currently only around 18 per cent of the world’s population is protected by comprehensive smoke-free laws.
“Accelerated action to implement smoking bans in the many countries yet to do so is likely to save considerable numbers of young lives and bring a healthier future for our unborn children.”
Professor Aziz Sheikh, co-director of the university’s Centre for Medical Informatics, said: “This study is further evidence of the potential power of smoke-free legislation to protect present and future generations from the devastating health consequences of smoking and second hand exposure to tobacco smoke.”
Reacting to the findings, Charlotte Bevan, senior research and prevention officer at stillbirth and neonatal charity Sands, said: “A ban on smoking in public, while it may not be fully responsible for the fall in the number of stillbirths reported by researchers at Edinburgh, is certainly one step to saving lives.”
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