Rightwing attitudes toward science

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Ideology over science, once again..

It's well known that drug users exchange needles, which spread diseases like Aids and Hepatitis. It's also well known that programs of free needle exchanges reduce these issues considerably. However, only when there was already a full-blown health crisis did Governor Pence, now vice presidential candidate, grudgingly accept a limited free needle program..

But less than two hours away, the worst HIV outbreak in Indiana’s history was raging through Scott County. The outbreak surfaced in Austin, a rural town with a population just above 4,000. By March 2015, there were more than 80 confirmed cases of HIV in the county, nearly all of which were linked to shared needle use of prescription drugs. The soaring HIV rates drew widespread media attention, and reporters descended upon the quiet community to cover the fallout. Officials in Fayette took notice. The two counties shared a number of demographic similarities, including high rates of hepatitis C, which is spread through the blood and linked to injection drugs. So Maupin began to do her own research, and was quickly convinced of the public health benefits of needle exchange programs. Despite evidence of their effectiveness, such programs were banned in Indiana.

Although Pence did temporarily lift the ban on needle exchange programs in Scott County, he made it clear that he would not support a statewide effort. “I am opposed to needle exchange as anti-drug policy,” he remarked. “But this is a public health emergency and, as governor of the state of Indiana, I’m going to put the lives of the people of Indiana first.” He also signed legislation that left in place a ban on funding for the needle exchange programs, placing the financial burden for purchasing syringes on the often rural, cash-strapped counties.

Mike Pence Put Ideology Before Science — And The People Of Indiana Suffered — ThinkProgress