Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
FDA Menthol Cigarette Ban Could Save Hundreds Of Thousands Of Lives
CNN: Ban On Menthol Cigarettes And Flavored Cigars Could Save Hundreds Of Thousands Of Lives, Experts Say
The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce a proposed rule this week to ban menthol from cigarettes, as well as to ban flavored cigars. It's a step that public health officials say is essential to protect public health. "I'm really excited about the possibility. At our foundation, we've cared about issues of smoking and preventable deaths for so long," said Dr. Richard Besser, a former director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who now serves as the president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a public health advocacy organization. (Christensen, 4/27)
The Hill: Biden’s Planned Ban On Menthol Cigarettes Divides Black Americans
The Biden administration’s move to ban menthol cigarettes has the Black community split, with the ban’s supporters arguing it promotes a healthier lifestyle and its critics arguing it unfairly targets Black Americans and could lead to injustices and policing issues. ... While its proponents say the ban will save lives, opponents warn of its potential impact on Black smokers who overwhelmingly prefer menthol cigarettes and include law enforcement members who warn it could put undue pressure on police grappling with higher crime rates. (Gangitano and Manchester, 4/28)
Yahoo News: Ben Crump Warns Of Racial Bias In Proposed Menthol Cigarette Ban
The Biden administration has indicated that it is planning on banning menthol-flavored cigarettes as part of a larger effort to prohibit flavored tobacco products. While these measures are intended to protect children, who are often enticed to become smokers through the availability of products like flavored e-cigarettes, the inclusion of menthol cigarettes is also expected to have a racialized impact, as 85 percent of Black smokers favor these over non-menthol cigarettes. Despite the potential for positive health benefits for Black people, some scholars and activists have warned that this proposed ban could have negative unintended consequences for the Black community. As we get closer to the ban being put in place, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump has joined the voices warning against the ban, and the famed lawyer sat down with Blavity News to explain his opposition to the new regulation. (Rhodes, 4/25)
And the FDA takes action against lead in fruit juice —
Fox News: FDA Moves To Limit Lead Content In Juices
In an effort to reduce children’s exposure to lead, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued draft action levels for lead in ready to drink (single-strength) apple juice and other ready-to-drink juices and juice blends. "Exposure of our most vulnerable populations, especially children, to elevated levels of toxic elements from foods is unacceptable," FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. said in a news release provided by the health agency. Califf also stated, "This action to limit lead in juice represents an important step forward in advancing FDA’s Closer to Zero action plan, which we are confident will have a lasting public health impact on current and future generations." (McGorry, 4/27)
In updates on Title 42 —
The Wall Street Journal: Biden Blocked By Judge From Winding Down Title 42 Border Policy
A federal judge in Louisiana has issued a temporary restraining order against the Biden administration forbidding it from moving ahead with its plan to end Title 42, the pandemic-era border policy. Judge Robert R. Summerhays, of the Western District of Louisiana, issued a temporary restraining order against the Biden administration on Wednesday after signaling his intention to do so two days earlier. (Hackman, 4/27)
AP: Federal Judge Halts Preparations For End Of US Asylum Limit
A federal judge ordered a two-week halt Wednesday on the phasing out of pandemic-related restrictions on seeking asylum — and raised doubts about the Biden administration’s plan to fully lift those restrictions on May 23. For now, the decision is only a temporary setback for the administration. But the judge staked out a position that is highly sympathetic with Louisiana, Arizona and 19 other states that sued to preserve so-called Title 42 authority, which denies migrants a chance at asylum on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. (McGill, 4/28)
In other news about governmental health policy —
KHN: Sen. Orrin Hatch’s Legacy Tracks The GOP’s Evolution On Health
When it comes to health policy, former Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, who died April 23 at age 88, leaves a complex legacy of major legislative achievements, changing positions, compromises, and fierce opposition. In many ways, though, Hatch’s evolution and leadership on health policy during his four decades in the U.S. Senate mirror that of the Republican Party. When he came to Washington as a neophyte politician after an upset victory in 1976, Hatch was a conservative firebrand, one of the early leaders of the “New Right” bent on dismantling the federal welfare state and banning abortion. A former trial lawyer, the new senator had never before held public office. (Rovner, 4/28)
