We commend Surgeon General Satcher for this new blueprint for action on tobacco use. More than 22 million adult women smoke in America and nearly 35 percent of high school girls report that they smoke. Sadly, Big Tobacco's marketing strategy is far too successful. The tobacco industry has a shameful history of targeting girls and women. This outrage must be stopped.
Tobacco products are the leading cause of premature, preventable death among women.
Congress needs to act now to curtail the onslaught of advertising and promotion pointed at all women, especially young girls. Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission released its annual report on cigarette sales and advertising for 1999. The FTC report shows that while cigarette sales fell, advertising and promotional expenditures increased dramatically in this country. With record-breaking marketing outlays, Big Tobacco continues to target girls. The notorious Virginia Slims campaign waged by Philip Morris is only one lethal example.