The German Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken (CDU), has indicated openness to a proposal by several federal states aiming to prohibit smoking in vehicles when minors or pregnant individuals are present. Addressing concerns raised by the initiative, Minister Warken stated that her ministry will examine its feasibility.
“Protecting the health of children must be our highest priority and consideration for others should be a given” Warken commented in response to inquiries from the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers. She acknowledged the widespread awareness of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure, noting potential damage to lungs, respiratory issues and respiratory illnesses for those involuntarily exposed.
The proposal, slated for reintroduction at the next Bundesrat (Federal Council) session on September 26th, seeks to legally restrict smoking when vulnerable passengers are present. Should the Bundesrat approve the measure, it will subsequently be reviewed by the Bundestag.
The German Medical Association has previously voiced support for such a ban, with President Klaus Reinhardt emphasizing the significant harm to health caused by passive smoking and stating that a prohibition in cars carrying minors or pregnant individuals is overdue.
However, Simone Borchardt, the health policy spokesperson for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, has expressed reservations. She argued that health policy should focus on holistic systemic improvements rather than isolated measures, characterizing a vehicle-specific ban as a “placebo”. Borchardt pointed out that children are frequently exposed to tobacco smoke in other environments, such as at home and that broader preventative approaches are necessary to address the underlying issue.
