RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: France has the highest rate in Europe for smoking during pregnancy, the first cause of preterm birth. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We aimed to study the accessibility of smoking clinics for pregnant women in Picardy. A woman simulated by phone a request for a visit. RESULTS: Smoking cessation visits are poorly publicized. The mean delay for a visit is nine days (range: 2-42). Only eight centers out of 21 could reduce the delay when it was stressed that the request was for a pregnant woman, reducing the delay to seven days (range: 1-16). None of the centres has checked for this condition. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Smoking is a major burden. Inconsistencies in the French healthcare system are reviewed. Professionals' involvement in smoking cessation programs must be improved, however consistency in the support from health care authorities is needed.