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Effects of Teratogens during Prenatal Development Case Analysis
While the ruling as contained in the case study can be justified based on several grounds, it does present some cons as well. The ruling is geared towards the protection of the child against the adverse effects of passive smoking. Children are most vulnerable to the impact of teratogens hence the decree was justified based on the child’s health. The judgment, however, also puts in question the mother’s right of smoking given that it restricts her from smoking even in the absence of the child.
The ruling restricting mothers from smoking serves as a sure way of protecting children from the passive or residual smoke. Another advantage is that it nurtures up the children and accustoms them to a smoke-free environment, such that they are less likely to indulge in the habit in future. Hence in effect, the decree indirectly establishes a non-smoking culture amongst the upcoming generation, by keeping them from emulating their smoker mothers. The exposure to teratogens as seen in the case of smoking mothers jeopardizes the healthy growth of the organs of a developing child. A fetus of 10-14 days after conception can easily die as shown by research (Burke 46). The legal system such as courts can, therefore, be used effectively coupled with health researches and warning labels to protect both born and unborn children against the effects of teratogens. Passive smoking in homes of pregnant women puts not only expectant mothers at health risks but also the unborn children.

The effects of these teratogens, whether direct or indirect, include deformed children, stillbirth, and health complications during early childhood development and deteriorated health of the mothers (Burke 67).
Effective prenatal development requires adherence to a teratogen-free environment which should be of keen interest to public places such as restaurants and child playgrounds. Such places should be made free smoking zones or in some cases should establish smoking areas. This will be effective in protecting pregnant mothers, children, and any other person from being a passive smoker. Public buildings are prone and are some of the leading exposures of pregnant women to teratogens and their effects.
Work Cited
Burke, Hannah, et al. “Prenatal and passive smoke exposure and incidence of asthma and
wheeze: Systematic review and meta-analysis.” Pediatrics (2012): peds-2011.