Research suggests graphic tobacco ads may inspire more to quit

BOSTON (REUTERS) - New research from Harvard University's School of Public Health and the non-profit Legacy Foundation found that graphic warnings on cigarette packets may help smokers who are trying to quit.

In November, a federal judge blocked a US rule that would have required tobacco companies to display graphic images such as a man exhaling smoke through a hole in his throat.

The judge granted tobacco companies a temporary injunction, saying they would likely prevail in their lawsuit challenging the requirement with a claim it is in violation of the First Amendment which protects free speech.

In June, the Food and Drug Administration released nine new warnings that were to go into effect last September. A number of tobacco companies sued the FDA in August arguing that the new warnings would force them to "engage in anti-smoking advocacy"on the government's behalf.