Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press; 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 - Sunday, August 17, 1997; 4:13 p.m. EDT
Soros challenged government leaders to "respect the scientific evidence" that needle exchange programs curb the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Critics say the programs encourage drug use.
"Needle exchange programs are scientifically proven to save lives, do not encourage drug use, and are supported by a majority of the American public," Soros said in a statement Sunday.
The federal Centers for Disease Control estimated last year that intravenous drug users, their children and sex partners accounted for over one-third of the new cases of HIV infection.
Soros told The New York Times in an interview published Sunday that he does not support legalizing drugs. But he said they were practically impossible to outlaw, so he proposed trying to reduce the harm that drug users cause themselves.
Soros, whose philanthropy has supported democratic movements in Eastern Europe and Asia, also funded ballot initiatives last year that let California and Arizona voters approve the medicinal use of marijuana.
Soros said he has spent more than $15 million in the past few years trying to foster a public dialogue on drug policy.
Opponents of needle exchange programs said Soros' message is wrong-headed. "I think he needs to be very careful about promoting drug use, which is what he's doing," Robert L. Maginnis of the Family Research Council told the Times.
Soros said he will give his new gift to the Tides Foundation, a San Francisco-based grants program that will distribute the money to needle exchange programs around the country.
Copyright 1997/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
970817
AP970809
Copyright © 1997 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .