Why were 26 anti-AIDS activists arrested yesterday at the Capitol Rotunda in Washington DC? Because the protesters chained themselves together at the landmark in protest of President Obama's ban on funding needle exchange programs as a part of federal HIV/AIDS prevention.
Despite promises made on the campaign trail that AIDS prevention funds should go to needle-exchange programs that help reduce infection among drug users (and the people who have sex with them), the Obama administration kept a previous ban on such programs in this year's budget. A spokesperson explained that the White House did not want a debate about the controversial program to slow down the budget process, so they left a ban in. In the meantime, support of needle exchange programs has been removed from the White House website.
Do you find needle exchange programs controversial?
Source: Flickr User Todd Huffman
Laura Biagiotti
Petite Mendigote
Heals
I would rather have uncomfortable feelings about needle exchange than a higher AIDS rate (15 minutes from my house, mind you). This is a deadly disease we're talking about, it's time to be realistic and make every possible attempt to actively reduce new infections. Taking this program away is like preaching abstinence- it sounds super but is less effective than education and safer options.
1this is really a shame. areas that have implemented needle exchange programs have seen a dramatic reduction in the spread of AIDS and not seen drug use increase.
2They should supply the heroin along with the needles. Same thing, promoting drug use isn't it?
3Cool, you'd rather more people have HIV/ AIDS?
4Have you heard the euphemism "the lesser of two evils?"
5I dont think its the same thing as promoting drug its a preventive measure . Addicts are going to use drugs anyway dirty needle or clean. at least a few less people are spreading HIV/AIDS because of easier access to clean needles.
6needle exchanges arent to promote drug use, they are to give people who will use drugs anyway clean needles so they dont get HIV and AIDs. Drug users who don't have access to clean needles are probably addicted to drugs already and therefore will use dirty needles or other peoples needles to get a hit.
7Some peoples ignorance is unbelievable!!!
If you arent a drug user already, why would you go to a needle exchange? and even if they gave you needles, they arent giving you drugs to put in them so you'd have to actively seek out dealers and buy them for yourself - people have control over their own actions!
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