Health groups to monitor tobacco talks

Groups oppose immunity for tobacco industry

They also oppose granting the industry total immunity from lawsuits. Tobacco companies have offered to set up a fund of hundreds of billions of dollars, and to accept government regulation in exchange for immunity from further litigation.

Matt Myers of the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids has been the only health advocate at the table, and he has been criticized by some for even taking part.

Beginning next week, however, members of organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American Lung Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics will monitor the conversations, but not in an official capacity.

A federal court decision in North Carolina last week giving the Food and Drug Administration jurisdiction over tobacco has increased speculation that a settlement may be near.

And Mississippi Attorney General Mike Moore, who initiated lawsuits, says a deal is possible. "We'll do more than has ever been done for the public health agenda," Moore said.

Some warn against being lured into 'dragon's lair'

Nevertheless, some of those at the meeting thought compromise with tobacco companies was tricky, and that health groups may be in danger of falling into what one critic called "a dragon's lair."

And Rep. Henry Waxman, D-California, strongly urged that there be no promises of immunity for the tobacco companies.

"It would be a mistake to come up with an agreement that would grant immunity," he said.

The problem for health is groups is knowing how to be involved in the negotiations without being co-opted by them. But they are now at the table as the public's watchdog, which is better than not being there at all.

Interact Political impact Business impact Legal issues Medical issues Related sites

Special sections: