Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - November 14, 2005
Steve LeBlanc, Associated Press Writer
Backers of the bill say it's an important step toward curbing the spread of AIDS, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases. Critics said the bill could encourage the use of illicit drugs by allowing anyone to buy needles.
Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states that still bar the sale of hypodermic needles without a prescription. The bill would also decriminalize the possession of a needle.
House lawmakers approved the bill by a 115-37 margin after an impassioned debate.
Rep. Peter Koutoujian, one the main backers, said the bill is an important public health measure. He said other states who have adopted similar measures haven't experienced an increase in drug use.
"This legislation will be effective in reducing the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C," said Koutoujian, D-Waltham. "We can no longer afford to put our communities at risk out of a misplaced fear for encouraging drug use."
One of the main ways that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is spread is through the reuse of dirty needles by drug users. In Massachusetts, Koutoujian said, 39 percent of those with AIDS contracted the disease by using a dirty needle or having sexual contact with someone who did.
But critics said the bill will give tacit approval to drug users already engaged in an illegal activity.
Philip Travis, D-Rehoboth, said selling syringes in pharmacies will help people over 18 "learn how to go out to be a drug user."
"I cannot believe that people in Massachusetts are listening to this garbage," Travis said. "It may save people's lives who want to use drugs and transfer needles, buy my God what does it say to the young people?"
Gov. Mitt Romney has also expressed opposition to the bill.
"The governor's concern is that if you allow addicts easy access to the tools of the trade you are facilitating illegal drug use," said Romney press secretary Julie Teer. She said Romney would review the bill if it reaches his desk before making a final decision about whether to veto it.
The bill passed the House by a veto-proof majority.
Rep. Eugene O'Flaherty, D-Chelsea, said he was skeptical of the bill at first, but finally decided to support it as a way to protect the health of the people in his district.
O'Flaherty represents Charlestown, which he said suffers the highest level of heroin overdoses in the city. He said many of those heroin users started out drinking or smoking marijuana before spiraling down into shooting or "booting" heroin.
"When they start booting it, guess what? We've lost them. We've lost them to hypodermic needles and that whole seedy underworld of heroin abuse," he said. "This is about us playing a small role in saving lives."
Only four Massachusetts cities now have needle exchange programs.
Supporters also said the bill will help reduce the number of needle stick injuries to police officers because possession of a needle will no longer be a crime and people won't have an incentive to lie about having a needle in their pocket before a search.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
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