The angry proponents of federal funding for needle exchange programs blasted the Clinton administration

While we are relieved that the Secretary has acknowledged the scientific data at long last, the decision to withhold federal funding from needle exchange programs is immoral and deadly.  This administration has shown a callous disregard for the disproportionate impact this decision will have on communities of color and women.⁽¹⁾

Pat Christensen, Executive Director San Francisco AIDS Foundation

It is frustrating in the extreme to see political considerations take precedence over public health ones, particularly when a huge cost in human life is predictable.⁽²⁾

Dr. Peter Lurie, Director of the 1993 University of California study of needle exchange programs

At best this is hypocrisy.  At worst, it is a lie.  And no matter what, it is immoral.⁽²⁾

Dr. R. Scott Hitt, Chair President's Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS

It defies logic to determine a program's efficacy and then not fund the program, especially in the middle of an epidemic.⁽²⁾

Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

Footnotes

(1) San Francisco AIDS Foundation. 1998. "Federal funds for needle exchange programs denied." April 20. News release.

(2) Sheryl Gay Stohlberg. 1998. "Clinton decides not to finance needle program." New York Times, April 21.

For a list of other materials used on this website, see References.