Pubdate: Sat, 01 Jul 2006
Source: Republican, The (Springfield, MA)
Copyright: 2006 The Republican
Contact:  http://www.masslive.com/republican/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3075
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

NO HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS

Thumbs UP, Thumbs Down

As expected, Gov. W. Mitt Romney vetoed a bill yesterday that would 
allow over-the-counter sale of hypodermic needles.

The governor' veto is nonetheless disappointing.

Lawmakers appear to have enough votes to override the governor's 
veto, and they should do so before the end of the formal session on July 31.

Massachusetts can save lives, slow the spread of infections and save 
millions of dollars in health-care costs by making clean needles 
available without a prescription.

There is absolutely no evidence that the legalization of needles has 
contributed to an increase in illegal drug use in states that allow 
the purchase of needles without a prescription.

This is a decision that should be made by public health officials, 
not by lawmakers or the governor. Since it is their hands, they 
should look at the evidence in the 47 states that have made the 
needles available over the counter. There are no statistics showing 
an increase in illegal drug use or criminal activity.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman