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AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Pregnant smokers in one northeast Ohio county can get free diapers in exchange for permanently kicking the habit through a new health program there.
Summit County's Baby & Me-Tobacco Free aims to reduce premature births and infant mortality. Studies have linked smoking during pregnancy to pre-term labor and health problems for infants.
The Akron Beacon Journal reports that the program's incentive could be worth hundreds of dollars per mother. Pregnant women can earn a $25 voucher each month for one year if they quit smoking, attend at least four support group sessions and prove they're smoke-free by passing monthly carbon monoxide tests after their children are born.
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