Ethical Evaluation of Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act Using Nancy Kass Framework
Author(s)- Dr. Srikar Praneeth Chilla
Department of HSB
University of East London, UK
chillasrikarpraneeth@gmail.com
+919391210010
Address – 11-14-25/III/304, O City, Azam Jahi Mills Colony, Warangal, Telangana India, 506002
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to evaluate the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act through the lens of Nancy Kass’ ethical framework. The focus is on assessing the public health objectives, effectiveness, and ethical implications of the Act, particularly in reducing smoking rates and protecting public health.
Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a qualitative analysis, applying Nancy Kass’ ethical framework to evaluate the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The framework’s six-step approach is used to assess the public health goals, effectiveness, burdens, and ethical justifications of the Act.
Findings: The evaluation reveals that the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act has been partially effective in achieving its goals, particularly in regulating tobacco products and reducing youth smoking rates. However, there are significant gaps in its implementation, particularly concerning the regulation of e-cigarettes. The ethical analysis shows that while the Act imposes certain burdens on tobacco companies and consumers, these are justified by the potential public health benefits.
Research limitations/implications: The analysis is limited to the application of the Kass framework and does not incorporate empirical data on the long-term health outcomes of the Act. Future research could include quantitative assessments of the Act’s impact on public health.
Practical implications: The findings suggest that stricter enforcement and comprehensive regulation, especially of newer tobacco products like e-cigarettes, are necessary to fully realize the Act’s public health goals. Policymakers should consider the ethical balance between individual rights and community health benefits.The Act represents a significant step in promoting public health by reducing tobacco-related harm. However, its partial implementation underscores the need for continued efforts to address emerging challenges in tobacco regulation.
Keywords: Public Health Ethics, Tobacco Control, Family Smoking Prevention Act, Nancy Kass Framework, Smoking Reduction, FDA Regulation, Health Policy.
Article Classification: Research article. This classification reflects the in-depth analysis and application of a specific ethical framework to evaluate a public health policy.
Research Funding: No external research funding was received for this project.
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2408II05V12P0006
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