Karan: Yours was the ultimate harm reduction. For the most part, harm reduction means recognizing and accepting the imperfections of life, and doing what it takes  to lower the numbers. A good example of harm reduction is needle exchanges in order to reduce the number of HIV and Hep- C infections. It is not condoning or condemning IV use, but remaining neutral and viewing the issue as being medical rather than criminal. It allows the problem to remain above ground so it can be dealt with in a humane manner. That is just a rough explanation; there is obviously much more to it.

Harm reduction is a well known and academic study, and can be found in peer review databases. 

In my view, the harm reduction principle can be applied successfully to other contentious social and political issues. give it a try; stretch your imagination.