NCJ Number
125897
Journal
Southern California Law Review Volume: 62 Issue: 6 Dated: (September 1989) Pages: 1702-1732
Date Published
1989
Length
31 pages
Annotation
Disseminating information as to who is infected with the HIV virus may cause serious harm to people infected with the AIDS virus by divulging their identities and conditions.
Abstract
The AIDS epidemic is a serious threat to the health and safety of the U.S. Action is necessary to combat this threat and prevent the spread of the disease to best protect society. However, stopping the spread of the disease necessarily requires information as to who is infected with the HIV virus so that precautions are sure to be taken when dealing with those persons. People infected with the AIDS virus are likely to be stigmatized because AIDS is known primarily to afflict homosexual males and intravenous drug users, groups not historically accepted in society. It is only humane to empathize with the plight of those unfortunate people who have AIDS. However, it is foolish to try to alleviate some of the anguish of those afflicted with AIDS if such efforts will result in the further spread of the disease and even more tragedy and anguish. Privacy is not a more important interest than public health. 193 notes