Maine's Gov. LePage vetoes lifesaving overdose drug bill—why 'perpetuate' addiction? he says

Sometimes it's hard to fathom just how pathetic a human being can be, but Maine's Gov. Paul LePage offered yet another reminder Wednesday when he vetoed a bill designed to help save the lives of people who are addicted to opioids. The measure, which lawmakers rushed through in order to address the state’s growing epidemic, would have allowed pharmacies to sell a drug that swiftly counteracts opiate overdoses without a prescription. Kevin Miller reports on the ever-repugnant LePage and his justification for nixing the bill.

“Naloxone does not truly save lives; it merely extends them until the next overdose,” LePage wrote, repeating a contention that has caused controversy before. “Creating a situation where an addict has a heroin needle in one hand and a shot of naloxone in the other produces a sense of normalcy and security around heroin use that serves only to perpetuate the cycle of addiction.”

Pharmacy chains such as Rite Aid and CVS already dispense naloxone without a prescription in other states. About 30 states allow sales of the drug without a prescription.

CVS requested the bill in Maine after receiving a letter from U.S. Sen. Angus King of Maine asking the chain to expand the availability of the antidote. The bill got support from both law enforcement and health organizations during the legislative hearing.

Yep, you read that right—addicts’ lives aren’t worth saving ‘cuz they might overdose again. Seriously, what rock did they find this guy under? Everyone is rushing to save lives—Sen. King writes a letter, CVS jumps onboard, police and hospitals give a thumbs up, lawmakers pass it on a unanimous voice vote—and LePage strikes it, saying essentially, what’s the point? It's just hard to find the words for such an unconscionably callous rationale. How in god's name has such ignorance been visited upon the Maine governor's office?