Breaking the Cycle of Preventable Suffering: Fulfilling the Principle of Balance

36 Pages Posted: 26 Feb 2012

See all articles by Corey S. Davis

Corey S. Davis

Network for Public Health Law

Evan D. Anderson

Center for Public Health Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania

Date Written: October 25, 2010

Abstract

Therapeutic opioids are essential for anesthesia and palliative care and have proven highly effective in reducing the harms associated with use of illicit drugs. Yet, access to therapeutic opioids remains strikingly inadequate in much of the world, resulting in preventable suffering on a vast scale. Many of the impediments to access are found in overly restrictive law, policy and regulation at the national level. Although countries are required by international conventions to place certain controls on opioids, many national regulatory regimes far exceed the requirements of international law. This paper supports that model by illustrating the considerable latitude that countries have to adopt national laws that fulfill the requirements of international drug law.

Keywords: opioids, pain, palliative care, drug policy

JEL Classification: K32, I18

Suggested Citation

Davis, Corey S. and Anderson, Evan D., Breaking the Cycle of Preventable Suffering: Fulfilling the Principle of Balance (October 25, 2010). Temple International & Comparative Law Journal, Vol. 24, No. 2, p. 329, 2010, Temple University Legal Studies Research Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2011197

Corey S. Davis (Contact Author)

Network for Public Health Law ( email )

Saint Paul, MN
United States

Evan D. Anderson

Center for Public Health Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania ( email )

Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States
2159000359 (Phone)

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