APPLY HARM REDUCTION IDEAS TO DRUG PROBLEM

Dear Editor,

Harm reduction is a philosophy of adapting to an imperfect world instead of
lashing out against it in ways that make matters worse. The majority of
Americans who support Roe vs. Wade are, to that extent, advocates of this
philosophy. Despite being labeled "pro-abortion", we take the pragmatic
position that criminalizing abortion does more harm than good. Comparing
safe, legal, clinical abortion to the old days of back alleys and coat
hangers, we choose the clinics.

It's a shame that this majority of harm reduction advocates doesn't apply
the same pragmatism to the problem of drug abuse. Comparing safe, legal,
clinical heroin maintenance programs, for example, to the murderously
violent and desperate back alleys of drug prohibition, we should choose the
clinics. Perhaps being labeled "pro-drug" is more fearful than being
labeled "pro-abortion".

Reproductive rights are founded in individual choice regarding ones own
body and ones own life. This basic human right is jeopardized by a
government that usurps the right to choose what drugs individuals may
imbibe. As long as individuals are not sovereign over their own minds and
bodies, reproductive choice is in constant peril.

Larry A. Stevens

Springfield