Ethical issues raised by a ban on the sale of electronic nicotine devices

• DOI: 10.1111/add.12898
• Publication Date: 2015-04-06T00:42:58Z
• Authors: Wayne Hall; Coral Gartner; Cynthia Forlini
• Keywords: harm reduction

Abstract Background Some countries have banned the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Aims We analyse ethical issues raised by this ban and various ways in which ENDS could be permitted. Method examine alternative policies terms degree to they respect principles autonomy, beneficence, non‐maleficence justice, as follows. Results Respect for autonomy: prohibiting infringes on smokers’ autonomy use a less harmful product while inconsistently allowing individuals begin continue smoking cigarettes. Non‐maleficence: prohibition is supposed prevent recruiting new smokers discouraging from quitting, but it has not prevented uptake ENDS. It also perpetuates harm preventing addicted using product. Beneficence: benefit reducing their health risks if them quit do engage dual use. Distributive justice: lack access disadvantages who want reduce risks. Different national create inequalities availability products internationally. Conclusions choose between an unregulated free market. can ethically allow sold that harms minimizing deterring quitting increasing among youth.