NCJ Number
116520
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The AIDS epidemic will bring about fundamental changes in medical care, insurance, education, employment, and especially privacy, resulting from the national stress attributable to the projected loss of life and high costs associated with AIDS.
Abstract
To combat the disease, public education, more funds for AIDS-related research, and changes in sexual and drug practices are needed. Public health can be protected without conflicting with civil liberties or civil rights. The current Department of Justice practices concerning employment are seen as disregarding both science and law and as punitive to those with AIDS. Health care facilities are strained; alternatives to hospitalization, such as hospice and home care, should be provided. With new types of testing available for insurance companies to screen for genetic predispositions, it becomes important for State and Federal authorities to hold the companies responsible for their real debts and their risk-pooling responsibilities. The author maintains that the Reagan administration has neglected research and education issues and beneficial drug development. Litigators, educators, politicians and medical personnel are asked to unite to bring compassion and urgency to the response to the AIDS epidemic.