NO HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS

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As expected, Gov. W. Mitt Romney vetoed a bill yesterday that would
allow over-the-counter sale of hypodermic needles.

The governor' veto is nonetheless disappointing.

Lawmakers appear to have enough votes to override the governor's
veto, and they should do so before the end of the formal session on July 31.

Massachusetts can save lives, slow the spread of infections and save
millions of dollars in health-care costs by making clean needles
available without a prescription.

There is absolutely no evidence that the legalization of needles has
contributed to an increase in illegal drug use in states that allow
the purchase of needles without a prescription.

This is a decision that should be made by public health officials,
not by lawmakers or the governor. Since it is their hands, they
should look at the evidence in the 47 states that have made the
needles available over the counter. There are no statistics showing
an increase in illegal drug use or criminal activity.