Harm reduction

Harm reduction recognizes that some people always have and always will engage in behaviours which carry risks, e.g. casual sex, illicit substance use. Harm reduction seeks to mitigate the harms associated with these behaviours, without requiring abstinence. Harm reductionists contend that no one should be denied services (e.g. health care) merely because they take risks. Further, harm reduction seeks a social justice response to illicit drug use, as opposed to a criminalizing one.

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Harm reduction has been very controversial in the U.S. (less so in Europe and Australia) due to concerns that some harm reduction initiatives normalize dangerous behavior, treat already stigmatized people with the "subtle racism of low expectations", and involve governments and communities in morally dubious activities.

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Harm reduction initiatives range from widely accepted designated driver campaigns, to more controversial initiatives like the provision of condoms in schools, safe injection rooms, drug legalization, heroin maintenance programs, and the provision of sterile surgical facilities for female circumcision (also known as female genital mutilation) in order to reduce infections.

Related Topics:
Designated driver - Condom - Heroin - Female circumcision

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