NCJ Number
107000
Journal
National Prison Project Journal Issue: 7 Dated: (Spring 1986) Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1986
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents some facts about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and discusses the validity of mandatory inmate testing and segregation as correctional responses to AIDS.
Abstract
AIDS is characterized by an extreme weakening of the immune system that leaves the body vulernable to debilitating attacks by a host of opportunistic infections and diseases. While tests are available to determine an individual's antibody status, such testing is far from foolproof and does not offer a means for reliably predicting whether a seropositive individual will go on to develop AIDS or AIDS Related Complex. Calls for mandatory testing and segregation of inmates are both medically unwarranted and legally impermissible. AIDS is not spread by casual day-to-day contact, testing will not halt its spread even if all seropositive prisoners are segregated, segregation may increase the health hazard, and both responses may violate inmates' due process and privacy rights. While AIDS is a problem of serious concern to correctional officials, mandatory screening and segregation represent an irrational and inappropriate response to the problem. Most concerns can more adequately be handled through the development of educational materials and programs aimed at changing inmates' behaviors. 24 footnotes.