According to a report by blackenterprise on April 14th, anti-smoking advocates have filed a lawsuit against the US government for postponing the proposal to ban menthol cigarettes.
Over the past 15 years, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been working to implement similar bans, considering that "over several decades, it could prevent 300,000 to 650,000 smoking-related deaths." "This lawsuit points out that lobbying by the tobacco industry has made it difficult for supporters and lawmakers to pass this legislation."
One factor in delaying the ban is its disproportionate impact on African Americans in the United States. In the 1960s, some advertisements specifically targeted African Americans to promote menthol cigarettes. This targeted marketing was successful, leading to "1.5 million African Americans starting to smoke menthol cigarettes." As early as 2020, among all smokers, 81% of African Americans smoked menthol cigarettes, compared to 34% of white smokers."
Yolanda Lawson, President of the National Medical Association, expressed concern in a statement, stating: "As African American doctors, we are deeply troubled by the FDA's delay in implementing a ban on menthol cigarettes. Our patients, more than any other group, are disabled and die prematurely due to continued use of these cigarettes.
The Executive Director of Action on Smoking and Health, Laurent Huber, stated, "FDA research confirms that banning menthol cigarettes will save lives. There is no scientific reason to delay the finalization of this regulation."
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