The Exchange of Dirty Hypodermic Needles for Clean Ones

The Exchange of Dirty Hypodermic Needles for Clean Ones

The issue under discussion is the exchange of dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones. The key points include the importance of the exchange of dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones, or the sale of clean ones in reducing the spread of HIV and hepatitis due to the use of dirty needles. Also, the limitations for the exchange of dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones are highlighted. For instance, hypodermic needles lead to increased drug abuse and misuse of drugs.  I strongly support the legalization of the exchange of the dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones.

To begin with, the exchange of the dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones is important to the society because there is need to decrease the spread of disease/infections like HIV and the hepatitis C. For instance, in the states where the exchange of dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones has been legalized, the transmission of HIV and hepatitis from the use of dirty needles has decreased (Cohen, 2006).

Many people lack information on how to protect themselves from HIV and hepatitis like many people believe that the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases is through sexual contact.  The transmission of HIV/Aids among drug abusers is usually through sharing of needles. This could be due to the scarcity of the needles to the drug abusers. Additionally, the exchange of dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones can motivate drug addicts or abusers undergo HIV and hepatitis tests especially in the exchange centers. This is because the exchange process requires communication and less scrutiny of those in need of the hypodermic needles. Thus drug abusers will be enlightened on the importance of undergoing tests for HIV and hepatitis. This will help the drug abusers realize that the society recognizes them and accepts them regardless of their condition thus they will be able to seek help and treatment. Therefore, I believe that the exchange of dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones can be helpful in decreasing the rate of the spread of HIV and hepatitis among drug abusers.

However, though the exchange of the dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones may reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis, it can lead to increased drug abuse. This opinion is supported by the California governors who have rejected the approval of clean hypodermic needles (Cohen, 2006).  The availability of the clean needles can be an incentive for the drug abusers to uncontrollably participate in drug abuse due to the absence of financial constraints. As a result, cases of deaths due to drug overdose and careless disposal of used or dirty needles in the streets are likely to increase. Additionally, the availability of the hypodermic needles can lead to misuse of essential drugs by the general public like in the case of Singleton who was forced to take antipsychotic drugs as preparation for execution (Sowell 2003).

In conclusion, despite the likelihood of the increased cases of drug abuse, I strongly support the exchange of dirty hypodermic needles for clean ones or the sale of clean ones as it will lead to reduced cases of the spread of HIV and hepatitis resulting from the use of dirty needles.

References

Cohen, M. (2006). Hastings Race & Poverty, Law journal. 2(6) 12-27. Print

Sowell, T. (2003). Editorial law review. Law journal, 1(1) 1-15. Print
 

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