Rights-based positions and tobacco control efforts within developed countries: Reflecting on a potent strategy

The production and consumption of tobacco occurs in a highly political arena, where two key players, tobacco industry and tobacco control advocates, aim to strengthen alliances with government and society. They both work at shaping how tobacco is used by influencing legislative actions along with societal norms. This political relationship has existed for over a century but in the last forty some years the power dynamic has changed. While the strengthening of the tobacco control advocates political position is multi-faceted, one interesting perspective to discuss the change is through a review of the invocation of rights-based strategies. Prior to the 1970's tobacco control strategies focused on fire safety issues, the morality of smokers, and the smokers' health. This foundation was broadened by evidence of the health risks associated with exposure to tobacco smoke. No longer was being exposed to tobacco smoke a mere discomfort for non-smokers, rather it became a non-smokers' right and public health issue. During this era tobacco industry also invocated rights-based positions, which focused on smokers' rights. A précis of rights-based strategies is followed by an overview of the evolution of these strategies as employed by the key tobacco players. While this strategy has proven advantageous for the rights of non-smokers and the health of all, this paper explores the possibility of related responsibilities. What strategies shape government and society views about tobacco users? Smokers clearly have the responsibility to non-smokers of not smoking in their space, but what is the right that comes with this responsibility?