AAP Statement Opposing Potential Delayed Action on Menthol Cigarettes, Flavored Cigars

By: Sandy Chung, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics 

“Today’s signal from the Biden administration that it will delay its final rules prohibiting menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars is dangerous, disappointing and a major missed opportunity to protect children and save lives. 

“Menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars are designed and marketed to addict children, plain and simple. The tobacco industry has been targeting Black communities with menthol products for decades, leading to disproportionate generational addiction, suffering and death. 

“We cannot miss this chance to address the threat of nicotine addiction and save lives. Failing to act misses a key opportunity to reduce cancer deaths and undermines the President’s Cancer Moonshot initiative. 

“The AAP urges the Biden administration to finalize these rules immediately and eliminate these harmful products once and for all.”  

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.