ETHICS OF THE NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM.
The needle exchange program is a very controversial issue among people. It is controversial because some people think that the needle exchange program encourages illicit drug use and that "junkies" get special treatment. On the other hand, some people are for the needle exchange program because it is a method of reducing the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through exchanging needles on a one-to-one ratio. In this paper I will try to show that it is an effective means of reducing the transmission of HIV without encouraging the use of injection drugs.
Donna E. Shalala, Secretary of HHS, announced on April 20, 1998 that "based on the findings of extensive scientific research that needle exchange program can be an effective part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the incidence of HIV transmission and do not encourage the use of illegal drugs.".
Under Public Law 105-78, the use of federal funds for the needle exchange program is restricted, and criteria for the use of the funds provided have not been established. Secretary Shalala stresses that such programs have usually only been successful when there are the strong support of their communities. Another thing usually needed for needle exchange programs to work is when the programs refer their participants to rehab and necessary medical services, and let the participants have replacement needles available only when needed.
"This nation is fighting two deadly epidemics - AIDS and drug abuse. They are robbing us of far too many of our citizens and weakening our future," said Secretary Shalala. "A meticulous scientific review has now proven that needle exchange programs can reduce that transmission of HIV and save lives without losing ground in the battle against illegal drugs." (Which when you look at the statistics you can see obviously that they are not gaining much ground) "It offers communities that decide to pursue needle exchange programs yet another weapon in their fight against AIDS.
