A 36-year-old man from Pensacola has been arrested for assaulting a pregnant woman during an argument over her smoking. Felix Taylor was taken into custody on July 17 for aggravated battery. The incident happened in March 2025, when Taylor visited a residence to collect his belongings.
According to the Pensacola Police Department, the woman was smoking a cigarette when Taylor confronted her. He told her she should not smoke while pregnant and commented that her new boyfriend should be the one buying her cigarettes. Police say Taylor then grabbed the cigarette from her mouth, threw it on the floor, and slapped her across the face.
The woman, who was sitting on a bed at the time, later told police that Taylor left the room to smoke in another area. When he returned, he allegedly continued arguing and punched her in the face and stomach. She was left with a swollen lip and blood inside her mouth.
A warrant was issued for Taylor’s arrest on March 9. He was located and arrested four months later and is now being held in Escambia County Jail. His court date is set for August 8.
The case has stirred debate on social media. Some users praised Taylor for confronting the woman about smoking while pregnant. Others strongly criticized his violent actions, reminding that aggravated battery against a pregnant person is a serious felony.
Health experts, including the CDC, warn that smoking during pregnancy can lead to complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. Still, many have condemned Taylor’s assault as both unlawful and harmful.
