Associated Press - December 11, 2006
Tom Hester Jr.

The Assembly and Senate are slated to vote Monday on legislation that would give drug users access to clean needles in a bid to combat the spread of HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases. New Jersey is the only state that has neither a needle exchange program nor allows syringes to be sold without a prescription, and Gov. Jon S. Corzine has expressed support for such measures.

The bill expected to be considered in the Assembly and Senate would allow six municipalities to set up programs in which drug users would swap used needles for clean ones. It also would provide $10 million for drug treatment and provide those exchanging needles with information and referrals for HIV testing, drug abuse treatment and health and social service programs.

The state health commissioner also would have to file reports with the governor and Legislature on whether the program has proven effective.

The Assembly also plans to consider legislation that would allow pharmacies to sell syringes without a prescription to people over 18 years of age, but the Senate hasn't considered that proposal.

While advocates contend needle exchanges stem the spread of disease through dirty needles, foes argue such programs would encourage drug use.

In New Jersey, 44 percent of those with AIDS contracted it from sharing needles, double the national average, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The state also ranks among the top five in the number of residents living with HIV/AIDS, annual number of new HIV/AIDS cases and the rate of infections among women.

"New Jersey stands at top of the list of states struggling to control the spread of HIV/AIDS, yet our syringe-access laws are completely out of step with the times," said Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr., D-Camden.

Roberts, a leading needle exchange advocate, recently said the legislation "could be a turning point that may allow this state to do a better job of saving lives."

Sen. Ronald Rice, D-Essex, a leading needle exchange foe, deemed the legislation "nothing more than a death penalty for the innocent," saying it would not benefit the state.

"In fact, this measure will do nothing to decrease the number of people who die each year," Rice said.

He also cited links between drug, gangs and guns.

"Easy access to needles will create a greater demand for heroin and other intravenous drugs, which will increase the number of suicides, homicides and murders," Rice said.

Supporters have been trying to pass a needle exchange bill in New Jersey since 1993. The Assembly approved one 43-28 in 2004, but the Senate never followed suit.

061211
AP061228

Copyright © 2006 - 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, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. 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, 2006. 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. .