Opponents of needle-exchange programs should think about their message to drug users / Medical News Today, 24 Mar 2005

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=21721
"Many opponents of needle-exchange programs argue that supplying drug users with clean needles sends the wrong message. But a researcher at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy advises that they should be concerned about the message they're actually sending. Despite the overwhelming evidence that needle-exchange programs (NEPs) can help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, many legislators refuse to support such efforts and instead write off death and illness as "just deserts" for illegal behavior."

Needle Exchange Programs:Sending the Right Message
PDF - http://bakerinstitute.org/Pubs/wp_needles.pdf