The Every Mothers Wish program offers encouragement and real help for expectant mothers who want to quit smoking. Developed after extensive discussions with physicians and pregnant women, the program offers a video, helpful tips and incentives to help women overcome their addiction. The program also directs women to the Maine Tobacco HelpLine for more extensive help and professional counseling.

Every Mother's Wish is a response to the following critical health issues:

• In Maine, 16% of all pregnant women smoke compared to 13% nationally. Among Maine's pregnant teens, that rate soars to 28%, double the national average. PRAMS 2003 & MMWR

• Among Maine's pregnant women on Medicaid, 29% smoke. PRAMS 2003

• Tobacco use can lead to a wide range of reproductive problems, including miscarriage, premature births and low birth weight which can cause breathing difficulties, learning disabilities, and even death for the baby.

• Secondhand smoke doubles the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and can lead to an astonishing number of children's health problems, including pneumonia and asthma.