Bishops oppose needle bills
Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski has joined New Jersey’s other Catholic bishops in criticizing legislation approved by lawmakers in the state Assembly that would allow intravenous drug users to obtain sterile syringes or needles in exchange for their old needles.
Backers of the legislation said it’s a way to stem the spread of HIV and AIDS, but a statement issued by the New Jersey Catholic Conference said it “fails to treat people who are addicted to drugs in a compassionate, dignified and comprehensive manner.”
“These ‘quick-fix’ resolutions will have severe ramifications for the addict, who will continue to abuse drugs with the help of the state, for the addict’s family and for society,” it added.
The Assembly approved two related bills Oct. 7. One bill would allow municipalities to run needle exchange programs. The other bill would permit limited pharmacy sale of syringes and needles without a prescription.
The bills (S-1829 and S-1925) were introduced in the Senate Oct. 14. The Senate Health Committee heard testimony, but because it didn’t have sufficient votes to support the legislation, it tabled the vote.
Under the measures, state spending on drug treatment would increase by $10 million to $30 million annually. If the legislation passes the Senate, Gov. James McGreevey has indicated he will sign the legislation if it reaches his desk by Nov. 15, the day he has said he is resigning.
In a statement issued before the Assembly vote, the New Jersey Catholic Conference, public policy arm of the state’s bishops, expressed particular concern for pregnant women and their babies, noting the dangers of exposing babies in utero to the effects of narcotics.
The statement also pointed out that substance abuse by parents brings an increased risk that their children will become victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.“The only way to stop the abuse of children,” it said, “is to stop the abuse of drugs. Providing clean needles to addicts does neither.”
The conference also said it was apprehensive about the effect of needle exchange programs on neighborhoods. It said the presence of drug users and possibly drug dealers in areas near schools, parks and city streets could place children in harm’s way.
The bishops said they recognized that New Jersey is facing an AIDS crisis; it has the fifth highest rate of AIDS cases in the country. But what’s needed to help curtail the spread of the disease, they said, are “more drug treatment programs, educational programs in preventing HIV and increased efforts to eliminate causes of addiction.”
*The attached/referenced article was originally published in The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law