Illinois Governor OKs Easier Access to Clean Needles

On Friday, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed into law legislation that will allow adults to purchase up to 20 syringes at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. The goal is to reduce the problem of disease being spread among drug users who share dirty needles. Pharmacies would be asked to provide buyers with information about proper handling of needles. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago hailed the new law as an important step in slowing the transmission of HIV. Many medical groups, including the American Medical Association, support programs to provide clean needles. But critics say the bill sends the message that drug use is acceptable, makes it easier for addicts to take drugs, and increases the number of needles in circulation and the potential for injury if they are not discarded properly. With Illinois' new law, only four states still require prescriptions for needle purchases, advocates say.

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