Everyone knows the danger of smoking while pregnant, and the dangers have been well-documented in many studies. But even those warnings are not stopping many French women from smoking while pregnant. So, 17 hospitals have joined together and are offering to pay women up to €300 in vouchers to stop smoking during their pregnancies. Yes, the hospitals have the health of the child and mother in mind, but they are also studying the effect that financial incentives have on helping people quit addictions.

Possible Preaching Angle:

As Christians we have something better than a financial incentive to quit our addictions and put off our old self, we have the cross of Christ. We don't need to be bribed to accept this gift, all we have to do is put our faith and trust in Christ as our savior believing he paid the penalty for our sins.

Source:

Staff, “French hospitals to pay pregnant women to stop smoking,” France 24 (8-5-16)